Lyman King at from 1 to 5 years old
Photos by King
Concordia, Kans.

Success in photography more than in almost any other business or profession depends upon the natural endowments and the fitness of the individual who has chosen that field for his labors. To become even a mediocre in the art, the operator must exercise his faculties incessantly, for, while frequenting picture shops, the author has discerned that even the most proficient are far from being invariably sure of results. Whatever the skill of the photographer may be, however well adapted for his chosen calling, he does not gain prominence without extended and intense application to work. The subject of this sketch, E.V. King, many of whose photographs furnish illustrations for this volume, has made rapid gains toward the goal of his ambitions, since establishing his studio in Concordia in August, 1897. Mr. King "loves art for art's sake," and seemingly does not recognize a limitation. He is all indefatigable worker and can be found in his studio from early morn until the lengthening shadows drive him from the work he seems to have an irresistible passion for, and which makes it possible for him to acquire skill. Mr. King is young in years, having been born in 1874, but there is no time in the life of an artist (for a photographer must be an artist to succeed) when he is not a student. Lincoln, Nebraska, is the place of his nativity. He was reared in his native state and began his present vocation as an apprentice with William Griffin, of Hebron, Nebraska. Mr. King conducted a gallery for one year prior to his advent in Concordia. He has a commodious and up-to-date studio on the second floor of the Dunning block, and has built up a lucrative patronage. He employs W.E. Gates, a practical photographer. Mr. Gates is formerly of Ohio, the state of his birth, but with his parents emigrated to Nebraska, where he and Mr. King were friendw in their boyhood days.

Mr. King was married in the spring of 1897 and his family is represented by a wife and two sons, Lyman and Karl. The illustration on the opposite page shows the growth of Lyman, their first born, and also demonstrates the progress Mr. King has made in art in the intervening space of time. Mr. King is a Republican politically, is a member of the city council and the member-elect of the school board from the Third ward. Mr. and Mrs. King are charter members and active workers of the Christian church, Mr. King being one of the church officials.