Edwin L. King

Edwin L. King (February 4, 1855 – April 22, 1921) was a Nebraska attorney who served in both houses of the state legislature; was instrumental in passage of legislation improving public education and regulating the railroad as a public utility; and was a revisor and codifier of the state's laws.

Early life Edwin Laverne King was born February 4, 1855, in Bedford, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the son of a farmer whose ancestors were emigres to the Connecticut Western Reserve in the early 19th century. In 1867 the family moved to Benton County in central eastern Iowa. King graduated from Iowa State College in 1877 and from the Des Moines Law School the following year, and entered law practice in Vinton, the county seat of Benton County. In July 1879, King moved to Osceola, Nebraska, where he spent the rest of his life.

Career King early established himself in the community. In addition to his law practice, he was an original trustee of Osceola upon the community's incorporation August 26, 1881. Also that year, another influential citizen, John H. Mickey, incorporated Osceola Bank, the first bank in Polk County. King was appointed vice-president of the bank, reflecting a relationship between the two men that endured for more than twenty years. King was a city councilman and served as a member of the Osceola School Board for 18 years, many years as its president. He held the office of Polk County Attorney twice, 1887–1888, and 1915–1916.

Legislative career and accomplishments King served in the Nebraska House of Representatives in 1885–1886, and in the State Senate from 1907 to 1912.

He introduced legislation that became known as "King’s High School Bill," which sought to expand educational opportunities by allowing for four years of high school for all youth. This enabled young people in rural communities to attend public schools in the towns, supported by tuition charges of $.75 paid by counties.

Codification In 1911, Nebraska Governor Chester Hardy Aldrich appointed King one of three members of a commission to arrange, compile, and codify state statutes for the first time in the state's history. He was joined by state judges A.M. Post and J.H. Broady. King was recognized as the one who did a disproportionate amount of work on the commission.

King was a Mason, a past master, trustee, and treasurer of Osceola Lodge No. 65, A.F. and A.M., and was a member of Modern Woodmen of America.