Frederic Truby King (1858-1938) was one of New Zealand's outstanding doctors. He won a high place in his nation's esteem for his role in founding and leading the Plunket Society to reduce infant mortality and improve child-rearing methods.

Frederic Truby King was born in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand, on April 1, 1858. His father, Thomas King, had been among the first settlers to arrive in this New Plymouth Company settlement, and Frederic's mother arrived in 1842. Frederic was the fifth of seven children and was born during a period of intense unrest within the local Maori tribe, the Atiawa. In 1860 British troops became involved, and Mrs. King and her five children joined the "Taranaki refugees." During the fighting their homestead was burnt down, and only 18 months later did they return. King's father rebuilt the farm, managed the local branch of the newly-formed Bank of New Zealand, and was active in...