U.S. Vice President William Rufus King
Founder of Selma Alabama
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William Rufus de Vane King was one of two men who purchased land in the Alabama Territory on the Alabama River. With other investors they formed "The Alabama Land Company" and laid out a town on a high bluff along the Alabama River at Moore's Landing. On December 4, 1820 the town was incorporated and was named Selma.
He owned a large plantation at "Kings Bend" near Cahaba where he built his home called "Chestnut Hill".
King Was born April 7, 1786 in Sampson County, North Carolina. He was the son of a prominent North Carolina Planter. He attended the University of North Carolina where he studied law. Continue |
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Bless Your Heart
Kindle Fire 
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Bon Appetit, Y'all
The Crimson Tide 
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Magnolia Wednesdays
Trouble Down South 
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King Continued:
In 1816 and 1817 he served as secretary to William Pinckney in Europe and Russia. Pinckney was the minister plenipotentiary to Italy and Russia.
In 1808 King was elected to the North Carolina House of Commons where he served for 2 years.
King Was born April 7, 1786 in Sampson County, North Carolina. He was the son of a prominent North Carolina Planter. He attended the University of North Carolina where he studied law.
In 1808 King was elected to the North Carolina House of Commons where he served for 2 years.
In 1816 and 1817 he served as secretary to William Pinckney in Europe and Russia. Pinckney was the minister plenipotentiary to Italy and Russia.
Under president John Tyler, King was Minister to France from 1844 through 1846. His mandate was to prevent France and England from joining to prevent the annexation of Texas.
From 1819 thru 1844 and again from 1848 to 1853 Mr. King served as United States Senator from Alabama.
In 1852 King was elected Vice president on the ticket with Franklin Pierce. At the time of his election his doctors had him convalescing in Cuba with tuberculosis. By a special act of Congress, King was allowed to take the oath as Vice President in Cuba.
His health continued to fail and before he could function as Vice President he died at his plantation home near Cahaba Alabama on April 18. 1853.
He was buried on his "Kings Bend" plantation but his body was later moved to "Live Oak Cemetery" in Selma Alabama.
Many of Mr. King's artifacts are on display at Sturtevant Hall Museum in Selma Alabama and at the State Archives in Montgomery.
Howard Watkins
