Alta, who preferred to be called “Altie” was born January 6th, 1865 to Rev. M.D. Jackson and his wife. Her father was a Methodist minister who preached in area pastorates for fifty years. She attended Ten Broeck Academy and in 1885 married Dr. Clarence King. Her husband served as a country physician and surgeon for the B.R. & P. Railway Company.
They lived in Machias for 25 years before moving to Franklinville in 1911 and purchased The Miners Cabin on 9 Pine Street. Alta organized the Franklinville Women’s Exchange in her home just before Christmas of 1913.
This was an organization which served as a clearing house for nice hand-made articles that women made and left for sale. People who wished to purchase something different from store goods for presents, personal wear, household use and home decoration.
She became a member of the Buffalo Society of Artists and her work was exhibited and given a place of honor in the organization. She painted in New York City and Buffalo and her work in oils was considered especially good. Altie also specialized in China painting and gave instruction to many pupils. Some of her painted tea cups are in the dining room cabinet in The Miner’s Cabin today.
She passed away on July 15th, 1926 and is buried next to her husband in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Machias.
From information in the files of the Ischua Valley Historical Society. Submitted by Maggie Fredrickson, Village of Franklinville Historian.