William Rufus deVane King ( April 7 , 1786 â `` April 18 , 1853 ) was a U.S. Representative from North Carolina , a Senator from Alabama , and the thirteenth Vice President of the United States . William Rufus DeVane King ( April 7 , 1786 -- April 18 , 1853 ) was the 13th Vice President of the United States for about six weeks ( 1853 ) , and earlier a U.S. Representative from North Carolina , Minister to France , and a Senator from Alabama .