William R. King

William Rufus DeVane King (April 7, 1786 – April 18, 1853) was an American politician and diplomat who served as the 13th vice president of the United States from March 4, 1853, until his death. He previously served as a U.S. representative from North Carolina, a U.S. senator from Alabama, and minister to France.

A Democratic-Republican and later a Democrat, King was a leading political figure in early Alabama and was elected as one of the state's first U.S. senators after its admission to the Union in 1819. He aligned politically with Andrew Jackson and served multiple terms in the Senate, including as president pro tempore. During the sectional disputes preceding the American Civil War, he supported slavery and opposed abolitionist efforts in the territories, while also opposing secession.

King was elected vice president in 1852 on the ticket headed by Franklin Pierce. Because he was ill with tuberculosis, Congress permitted him to take the oath of office in Cuba, making him the only U.S. vice president to be sworn in on foreign soil. He died 45 days later, without carrying out any duties of the office. Historians have also written about his close relationship with James Buchanan.