Elmer M. King, noted Peoria artist and lifelong Peoria citizen, was the second born of Ernest M. and Minnie M. King of Peoria. The family lived on Faraday Street and Elmer attended the local schools where he discovered a talent for art. He first studied under Peoria artist Eric Arons and then moved on to the Federal School of Art. He married Bernadine Frances King on December 31, 1934, and the young family started out on Millman Street. One daughter was born to them and another followed a few years later after the family moved to Peoria Heights, IL. It was in early 1942 that Elmer was seriously burned in an auto/garage fire at the family home. He was told that he would never work again, nor would he enjoy his artistic talent. By sheer personal persistence over the next year, and with the grace of God, he regained the use of his right hand. In grateful appreciation, he henceforth signed every painting and sketch with his name and PTL (Praise The Lord.) He never once forgot the intervention of the Lord in his behalf to restore his overall health. With the able guidance and loving support from his wife, he went on to paint numerous works, many of which hang in the halls of Caterpillar, St. Francis Hospital, and other notable establishments, in addition to adorning the walls of local homes and in other collections. He was still painting at age 80 when a sudden and fatal heart attack took him back to the Lord. His wife lived an additional 25 years and saw to it that his works were remembered in the Peoria community and beyond.
Larry Hagemann Member 46792724
Larry Hagemann Member 46792724
Elmer M. King, noted Peoria artist and lifelong Peoria citizen, was the second born of Ernest M. and Minnie M. King of Peoria. The family lived on Faraday Street and Elmer attended the local schools where he discovered a talent for art. He first studied under Peoria artist Eric Arons and then moved on to the Federal School of Art. He married Bernadine Frances King on December 31, 1934, and the young family started out on Millman Street. One daughter was born to them and another followed a few years later after the family moved to Peoria Heights, IL. It was in early 1942 that Elmer was seriously burned in an auto/garage fire at the family home. He was told that he would never work again, nor would he enjoy his artistic talent. By sheer personal persistence over the next year, and with the grace of God, he regained the use of his right hand. In grateful appreciation, he henceforth signed every painting and sketch with his name and PTL (Praise The Lord.) He never once forgot the intervention of the Lord in his behalf to restore his overall health. With the able guidance and loving support from his wife, he went on to paint numerous works, many of which hang in the halls of Caterpillar, St. Francis Hospital, and other notable establishments, in addition to adorning the walls of local homes and in other collections. He was still painting at age 80 when a sudden and fatal heart attack took him back to the Lord. His wife lived an additional 25 years and saw to it that his works were remembered in the Peoria community and beyond.
Larry Hagemann Member 46792724
Larry Hagemann Member 46792724
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