Ben King: The Sweet Singer of St. Joe

Benjamin Franklin King Jr. was a talented musician and poet from St. Joseph, Michigan, known for his eccentric personality and lively performances. He published humorous and sentimental poems about his hometown and entertained audiences across the country with his poetry readings. In 1894, King died peacefully in his sleep at just 37 years old after performing in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Today, he is remembered in St. Joseph through his grave and a bronze bust in Lakefront Park.

___________________________

Produced by Michigan History Magazine