C. D. King (1843–1930) had his own brand of law and order centralized around justice. He believed that litigation ought to be avoided if possible and people should settle their differences in a way that’s mutually beneficial. He also felt that first-time offenders should receive the lightest possible penalty, reserving harsher punishment for repeat offenders.

King became Arlington’s first mayor shortly after the town was established in 1876 and later served 13 times as Justice of the Peace.

“Seventeen Years On Bench Gives Arlington Justice Unique Opinions Of Laws”
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – January 21, 1917
Newspapers.com

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 10-27-25