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William Rufus KingAmerican politician
Date of Birth: 07.04.1786
Country:  USA |
Content:
- William Rufus King: A Statesman's Legacy
- Early Political Career
- Diplomatic Service
- Alabama Senator
- Ambassador to France
- Return to the Senate and Vice-Presidency
- Legacy and Death
William Rufus King: A Statesman's Legacy
Early Life and EducationWilliam Rufus King was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, in 1786. In 1803, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and began practicing law in Clinton in 1806.
Early Political Career
King's political journey began with his election to the North Carolina House of Commons from 1807 to 1809. In 1810, he served as City Solicitor in Wilmington, Delaware. From 1811 to 1816, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives three times.
Diplomatic Service
After leaving Congress, King embarked on a diplomatic career, serving in Naples and St. Petersburg. Upon his return to the United States in 1818, he became a slave owner on a large cotton plantation in Alabama.
Alabama Senator
King played a pivotal role in the organization of the state of Alabama. In 1819, after Alabama's statehood, he was elected to the U.S. Senate as a Democratic-Republican. He was reelected in 1822, 1828, 1834, and 1841, serving as President pro tempore of the Senate during the 24th and 27th Congresses.
Ambassador to France
From 1844 to 1846, King served as the United States Ambassador to France.
Return to the Senate and Vice-Presidency
In 1848, King was again elected to the Senate. During the heated debate surrounding the Compromise of 1850, he opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia and supported the "gag rule" prohibiting discussion of abolition. From 1850 to 1852, he once again presided over the Senate as President pro tempore.
In 1852, King was elected Vice President. However, due to ill health, his oath of office was administered in March 1853 in Cuba, where he was seeking treatment.
Legacy and Death
King died of tuberculosis in April 1853, only 45 days after taking office. He was initially buried on his plantation but was reinterred in Selma, Alabama, in 1882.
