About Elisha J. King
Lived 1821 – 1844 (aged 22–23). Elisha J. King was an American musician.
Elisha James King (1821–1844) was, with B. F. White, the compiler of The Sacred Harp, a shape note hymnbook that came to be used widely in the rural South. In revised form, the book continues to be popular among singers to this day.
Little is known about King's short life. Steel (2010) suggests that he mostly likely was born in Wilkinson County, Georgia; his parents were named John King and Elizabeth Dubose. The family moved in 1828 to Talbot County.
E. J. King worked as a farmer and also taught singing to others.
The Sacred Harp was first published in 1844; King died 31 August of the same year.
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Important facts
People in Elisha J. King's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Elisha J. King?
Compiler of the Sacred Harp
When was Elisha J. King born?
Elisha J. King was born in 1821.
When did Elisha J. King die?
Elisha J. King died in 1844.
What was Elisha J. King's occupation?
Elisha J. King was a musician.
What nationality was Elisha J. King?
Elisha J. King was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Elisha J. King. https://biography.guide/elisha-j-king/
MLA: "Elisha J. King." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/elisha-j-king/.
Chicago: "Elisha J. King." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/elisha-j-king/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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