# William R. King > vice president of the United States from March to April 1853 (1786–1853) **Wikidata**: [Q298985](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298985) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_R._King) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-r-king ## Summary William R. King was an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat who served as the 13th Vice President of the United States from March to April 1853. Born in 1786, he held significant roles in U.S. government, including as a U.S. Senator and Minister to France, before his brief tenure as vice president under Franklin Pierce. His career spanned law, diplomacy, and federal service, leaving a mark on 19th-century American politics. ## Biography - **Born**: April 7, 1786 - **Nationality**: American - **Education**: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (inception: 1789) - **Known for**: Serving as the 13th Vice President of the United States (March–April 1853) - **Employer(s)**: United States government (Senate, diplomatic service) - **Field(s)**: Politics, law, diplomacy ## Contributions William R. King contributed to American governance through his roles in the U.S. Senate, where he represented Alabama, and as Minister to France. His diplomatic service strengthened U.S. international relations, while his legislative work influenced policies of the antebellum era. As vice president, he presided over the Senate during a pivotal period in U.S. history, though his tenure was cut short by his death in April 1853. ## FAQs **What positions did William R. King hold in the U.S. government?** William R. King served as a U.S. Senator from Alabama, Minister to France, and the 13th Vice President of the United States (1853). **Where was William R. King educated?** He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was founded in 1789. **What was William R. King’s role as vice president?** As vice president under Franklin Pierce, King presided over the U.S. Senate from March to April 1853, though his tenure was brief due to his death. **How is William R. King remembered in history?** He is noted for his diplomatic and political career, particularly his service during a critical period in U.S. expansion and governance. ## Why They Matter William R. King’s career exemplified the intersection of law, diplomacy, and federal service in 19th-century America. His roles in the Senate and as a diplomat shaped U.S. policies and international relations, while his vice presidency, though short, marked a transitional moment in American leadership. His legacy reflects the complexities of antebellum politics and the evolving role of the U.S. on the global stage. ## Notable For - Serving as the 13th Vice President of the United States (March–April 1853). - Representing Alabama in the U.S. Senate. - Acting as Minister to France, strengthening U.S. diplomatic ties. - Being educated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a prominent public institution. - Holding multiple high-profile government positions during a formative era in U.S. history. ## Body ### Early Life and Education William R. King was born on April 7, 1786. He pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which had been established in 1789. His academic background laid the foundation for his subsequent career in law and public service. ### Political Career King’s political journey included service in the U.S. Senate, where he represented Alabama. His tenure in the Senate was marked by contributions to legislative debates and policies of the time. Later, he served as Minister to France, a role that underscored his diplomatic skills and the U.S. government’s trust in his abilities to navigate international relations. ### Vice Presidency In 1853, King assumed the office of Vice President of the United States under President Franklin Pierce. His vice presidency, though brief (March to April 1853), was significant as it occurred during a period of national expansion and political realignment. His death on April 18, 1853, cut short his tenure, but his service remains a notable chapter in U.S. political history. ### Legacy and Influence King’s career spanned critical roles in law, diplomacy, and federal governance. His contributions to the Senate and diplomatic corps reflected the priorities of the antebellum United States, including territorial expansion and international engagement. While his vice presidency was short-lived, his broader career highlights the interconnectedness of domestic and foreign policy in 19th-century America. ### Affiliations and Recognition King was affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an institution that has produced numerous political and legal figures. His roles in government and diplomacy earned him recognition as a key figure in the political landscape of his time. His legacy is preserved in historical records and institutional archives, including those of the U.S. Senate and diplomatic service. ### Personal and Professional Identifiers King’s professional identity is documented through various identifiers, including his signature (William R King Signature.svg) and photographic records (WilliamRufusKing.jpg). These artifacts provide tangible connections to his life and career, offering insights into his public persona and official roles. ## References 1. Genealogics 2. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 3. [A New Nation Votes: American Electoral Returns, 1788-1825](https://elections.lib.tufts.edu/catalog/KW0001) 4. [Source](https://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/02600/) 5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 6. SNAC 7. Find a Grave 8. NCpedia 9. GeneaStar 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. Virtual International Authority File 12. [Source](https://elections.lib.tufts.edu/catalog/KW0001) 13. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/interactive/2022/congress-slaveowners-names-list/)