Stephen Allen Benson
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| Stephen Allen Benson | |
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| In office January 7, 1856 – January 4, 1864 |
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| Vice President | Beverley Yates |
| Preceded by | Joseph Jenkins Roberts |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Bashiel Warner |
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| Born | May 21, 1816 Maryland, United States |
| Died | 1865 Grand Bassa County, Liberia |
| Political party | None |
Stephen Allen Benson (May 21, 1816-1865) served as President of Liberia from 1856 to 1864.
Benson was born in Maryland, United States. In 1822 his family expatriated to the newly created country of Liberia. Shortly after his arrival, the colony was taken over by African natives, holding Benson and his relatives captives for a few months.
He became a successful businessman. Benson joined the militia in 1835 and in 1842 became a delegate to the Colonial Council. After Liberia's independence in 1847 he became a judge.
[edit] Presidency
In 1853 Benson became the vice president to Joseph Jenkins Roberts, and after Roberts left office in 1856 Benson succeeded Roberts as president. In 1857 he organized the annexation of Maryland County.
In 1862 Benson achieved diplomatic recognition from the United States. That same year he visited Europe.
Benson, who knew many indigenous languages, sought collaboration with the native tribes, in contrast to previous Liberian policy, which emphasized American-Liberian superiority and Western customs.
After the end of his presidency he retired to his plantation in Grand Bassa County where he died in 1865.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Unknown |
Vice-President of Liberia 1853–1856 |
Succeeded by Beverley Yates |
| Preceded by Joseph Jenkins Roberts |
President of Liberia 1856–1864 |
Succeeded by Daniel Bashiel Warner |
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| Persondata | |
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| NAME | Benson, Stephen Allan |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION | former President of Liberia |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 21 May 1816 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | |
| DATE OF DEATH | 1865 |
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