Anthony D. Williams (politician) facts for kids

Anthony David Williams (1799-1860) was an important politician in Liberia. He served as the second Vice President of Liberia from 1850 to 1854. He worked alongside President Joseph Jenkins Roberts.

Early Life and Moving to Liberia

Anthony David Williams was born free in the United States in 1799. He was a Methodist preacher. In 1823, he moved from Petersburg, Virginia to Liberia. Many people like him moved to Liberia to build a new home.

Helping to Build the Colony

From 1837 to 1839, Williams worked as the Colonial Agent for the American Colonization Society. This society helped free African Americans move to Liberia. During his time as Colonial Agent, a new settlement called Mississippi-in-Africa was started. This showed how much the colony was growing.

Becoming Vice President

In the 1849 elections, Anthony David Williams ran for Vice President. He was running against the person who was already Vice President, Nathaniel Brander. No candidate won more than half of the votes. Because of this, the decision went to the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives chose Williams to be the new Vice President. He served in this role until 1854. Williams passed away in 1860.

His Family's Legacy

Anthony David Williams had a son named Anthony D. Williams, Jr.. His son also became a politician. Anthony D. Williams, Jr. served as the Secretary of War and Navy. He later tried to become president in the 1891 and 1893 elections. He ran for the New Republican Party. He also ran for president again in 1899 for the National Union Party, but he did not win.