William R. King

Description: (13th Vice President of the United States)

William Rufus King was an American politician and diplomat who is often remembered as the shortest-serving Vice President of United States. A senator and diplomat, King remained in office only for six weeks, between March 1853 and April 1853. Born to a wealthy family of North Carolina, King, after completing elementary education from private schools, graduated from the University of North Carolina and went on to study law. Later, he was admitted to the bar and gravitated into politics, becoming a Congressman at the age of 25. Afterwards, he moved to Alabama and became the first Senator of Alabama, later reelected at the post several times in his career. As Senator, King was an advocate of the “southern” way of life, who opposed prohibiting slavery in the District of Columbia, and supported the expansion of slavery into the territories. After serving on various posts in politics over the years, he was elected Vice President of the United States in the administration of Franklin Pierce in 1853. He took his oath for the office in Cuba, where he had gone to improve his health, courtesy a privilege extended by special act of Congress. Until today, he is the only member of the U.S. executive branch to have been sworn into office on foreign soil. Shortly after, he returned to Alabama and died the next day, following a prolonged illness. He remained in office for only six weeks and is therefore dubbed as the shortest-serving Vice President of US.

Overview

Birthday April 7, 1786 (Aries)
Born In United States
Alternative names William Rufus DeVane King
Died on April 18, 1853
Parents

Did you know

Where did William R. King serve as a U.S. Senator? William R. King served as a U.S. Senator from Alabama.
What political party did William R. King belong to? William R. King was a member of the Democratic Party.
What was William R. King's role in the U.S. government before becoming Vice President? Before becoming Vice President, William R. King served as the President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate.
Who was William R. King's running mate in the 1852 presidential election? William R. King's running mate in the 1852 presidential election was Franklin Pierce.
What was the significant historical event that occurred during William R. King's brief tenure as Vice President? The significant historical event that occurred during William R. King's brief tenure as Vice President was the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case.
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