Stephen Allen Benson

Stephen Allen Benson ( born May 21, 1816; † January 24, 1865 in Grand Bassa County) was dated January 7, 1856 to January 4, 1864, second president of Liberia.

Life

Benson was born in Maryland in the United States. 1822 emigrated with his family in the few years before founded Liberia. Shortly after arrival, the settlement of locals was attacked and he and his relatives had a few months prisoners.

He became a successful businessman, joined the militia in 1835 and 1842 Member of the Colonial Council. After the Declaration of Independence by the Liberian Congress 1847 he became a judge.

President

1853 he was appointed President Joseph J. Roberts to his vice president and 1856 he became its successor. In 1857, he led the annexation of the formerly independent colony Maryland by Liberia.

During his tenure, the formal recognition of Liberia fell by the United States in 1862, at the end of his tenure, the most important countries of Liberia had recognized. In the same year 1862 he made ​​a trip to Europe, where he paid a visit to Heinrich Brockhaus, the son of Friedrich Arnold Brockhaus.

Benson tried to have a good cooperation with the indigenous population of the hinterland and their fair treatment. He spoke several languages ​​of the locals. After his presidency, he retired to his plantation in Grand Bassa County, where he grew coffee, and died soon afterwards.

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