In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1854, Ray county
From History of Ray County, Mo. (1881)
ROBERT A. KING.
This gentleman is a native of Missouri, born in Ray county, July 22, 1854, where he has ever since resided. Mr. King early displayed a taste for books, and rapidly progressed with his studies when at school. After finishing the course as usually taught in the common schools of the county, he continued his studies without the aid of a teacher, and in this way acquired a good, practical education. He has taught school at Morton, Hardin, and various other places in the county. Mr. King is now connected with his brother in running a grocery store at Hardin, under the firm name of King Bros. Mr. King, being engaged in the high and honorable vocation of teaching, is one of Ray's most worthy sons, and in future years will, no doubt, win for himself, by his energy and industry, a high position among her citizens.
As printed in History of Ray County, Mo. (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.