JCB 1171: ERB and Charles King II

presents
Volume 1171

THE SOLDIER AUTHOR
AND
THE MASTER OF ADVENTURE II
By
Brian Bohnett
Adapted from a PowerPoint presentation given by Mr. Bohnett at Madonna University in 2003

GENERAL CHARLES KING

Military family
Enters United State Military Academy
Becomes staff member after graduation
Joins military and participates in Indian Wars out west (1st Lieutenant, 5th Cavalry)
Begins writing career (1880, age 36)
Expert horseman
Joins Wisconsin National Guard

EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS

Military family
Enters Michigan Military Academy
Becomes staff member after graduation*
Joins military and serves at Fort Grant, Arizona (Private, 7th Cavalry)
Begins writing career (1912, age 36)
Expert horseman
Joins Illinois Reserves (later a war correspondent in WW2)

ERB FROM MMA TO THE U.S. 7th CAVALRY IN ARIZONA

April 24, 1917 Letter

“He (Burroughs) left the school one week before graduation on account of ill health. Otherwise, he would now have a diploma from that institution.”
William H. Butts
Assistant. Dean
University of Michigan

To Whom It May Concern
I recommend Mr. Edgar Rice Burroughs as a member of the Officers' Reserve Corps.
Mr. Burroughs has all the qualifications of a graduate of the Michigan Military Academy, Orchard Lake, Michigan. He left the school one week before graduation on account of ill health. Otherwise, he would now have a diploma from that institution. The school has disbanded and for that reason it does not seem possible to give him a diploma at this date. However, I can recommend him as fully equipped and able to do entirely satisfactory work as an officer. He showed himself very capable as a commissioned officer in the Academy.
I was Principal of this Academy for fifteen years and am now Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering, University of Michigan.
William H. Butts
Assistant Dean
University of Michigan

Location of Fort Grant, Arizona ~ The Quartermaster's Storehouse

The Quartermaster's Storehouse ~ Fort Grant Circa 1885

KING AND BURROUGHS DEBUT AS WRITERS

CAMPAIGNING WITH CROOK
Campaigning with Crook: The Fifth Cavalry in the Sioux War of 1876
Sentinel Company, 1880 by Captain Charles King

A PRINCESS OF MARS

Under the Moons of Mars
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Written under the pseudonym of Normal Bean
All-Story Magazine, February 1912
A.C. McClurg, 1917

HORSEMANSHIP

Photo Inscription
“”To Charles Thomas Scott,
with the regards of ‘Star’ and Charles King,
Blue Ribbon Winners, Officers’ Charge Class,
when their combined ages were 100 years. 1926.”
- Charles King

1926 Press Release “Probably the most outstanding individual in this class and the one for which it is reported the highest price has been paid, is the well known saddle stallion, Brigadier Rex, owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs…
Rex will be set at liberty on the open range where he doubtless with become a veritable king of the wild horses.”

EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS AND THE KING LEGACY

ERB Book Plate
“It was drawn some twenty years ago by my nephew, Studley Oldham Burroughs, and represents Tarzan supporting Mars, with the two Martian moons above. In the background are characters from some of my other stories; while at Tarzan’s feet sits Kala, the she-ape which fostered him.
The crossed quill and saber are emblematic of my writing and my service in the 7th Cavalry. In the four quarters of the field appear a Cavalry boot, also emblematic of my Army service; the skull of a cow, for my days as a cowpuncher; an automobile wheel, signifying my love of motoring; and an open book.”

During his lifetime, Burroughs wrote over 70 books and numerous short stories and articles. The author spent five formative years at the academy, and the influence of the experience is clear in his writings.
“While going through the personal effects of my dear old Dad... I came upon several books you had sent him... among his cherished possessions. Right then I made up my mind... I would look up the pupil, old friend and admirer of my Dad.”
- Rufus King, Commander, U.S. Navy

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