In 1887 or 1888 , he met and fell in love with Ada Copeland , an African - American nursemaid ( and former slave ) from Georgia , who had moved to New York City in the mid-1880s .
King spent his last thirteen years leading a double life .
In 1887 or 1888 , King met and fell in love with Ada Copeland , an African - American nursemaid ( and former slave ) from Georgia , who had moved to New York City in the mid-1880s .
King spent his last thirteen years leading a double life .