William Rufus DeVane King 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. represe
Portrait of King, 1839
Lithograph of King, c. 1840
James Buchanan, 15th president of the United States (served 1857–1861). He shared a Washington boardinghouse with his friend and colleague, William R. King.
Engraving of Chestnut Hill, published in the Illustrated News (New York) on April 30, 1853, following King's death. The house was destroyed by fire during the 1920s.
John Cabell Breckinridge was an American politician who served as the 14th vice president of the United States, with President James Buchanan, from 1857 to 1861, and as a general in the Confederate Ar
William R. King
…Old Live Oak Cemetery in Selma. King never carried out any duties of the office. Following King's death, the office of vice president was vacant until John C. Breckinridge was inaugurated with President James Buchanan in March 1857. In 1852, the Oregon Territorial Legislature named King County for him. The county became…
Breckinridge in an undated photo
Former Governor Robert P. Letcher was unable to unseat Breckinridge in 1853.