Lyman King
Lyman Maurice King | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Mount Ayr, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | 3 July 1950 (aged 80) Loma Linda, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, journalist, banker |
| Years active | 1887–1949 |
| Known for | California State Senator (1915–1923), Director of Finance of California (1930–1931) |
Lyman Maurice King (July 17, 1869 – July 3, 1950) was an American public official who served in the California State Senate representing the 30th district from 1915 until 1923. He also held the position of California's Director of Finance between 1930 and 1931.
Journalism
King was born in Mount Ayr, Iowa and relocated to Napa, California when he was five years old. He completed his education at Napa College in 1887. His professional journey began as a reporter for the Napa Register. By 1898, he had become part owner and city editor of the Pasadena Star-News. In 1904, he acquired ownership of the Redlands Daily Review and subsequently purchased the Redlands Daily Facts, eventually divesting from the Review. He sold the Redlands Daily Facts in 1929. Additionally, King dedicated nine years as secretary and treasurer on the board of trustees for Southern California Hospital.
Politics
King acted as a presidential elector representing California in 1908 and served as a census supervisor during the 1910 United States census. He secured election to the California State Senate in 1914 and was reelected in 1918. During his tenure, he led the revenue and taxation committee in both 1919 and 1921. King was the principal author of the King Tax Bill, which increased corporate tax rates within California amid fierce legislative opposition, intense lobbying efforts, and bribery accusations. The legislation passed by a slim margin and received approval from Governor William Stephens.
In 1926, King pursued the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of California, finishing behind Buron Fitts. Governor C. C. Young appointed him to the state Board of Control in 1927. The following year, he was named chief of the state's division of service and supply. From January 31, 1930, until January 5, 1931, King held the office of California's director of finance. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the United States House of Representatives representing California's 19th congressional district in 1932.
Banking
In 1929, King gained majority control of the Redlands Building-Loan Association and assumed its presidency. On March 25, 1937, this institution transitioned into Redlands Federal Savings & Loan under federal charter. King maintained his roles as president and manager until 1949, when his son, Lyman King Jr., took over leadership. King died on July 3, 1950, in Loma Linda, California.