George Washington Buckner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Washington Buckner
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Dr. George Washington Buckner
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| Born | December 1, 1855 |
| Died | February 17, 1943 (aged 87) |
| Alma mater | Indiana State Normal School; Indiana Eclectic Medical College |
| Occupation | physician and diplomat |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Stella White Anna Cowen |
George Washington Buckner (born December 1, 1855 – died February 17, 1943) was an important American doctor and a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in another country. He served as the United States Minister to Liberia from 1913 to 1915. This means he was the top U.S. representative in Liberia during that time.
Contents
The Life of George Washington Buckner
Early Life and Education
George Washington Buckner was born near Greensburg, Kentucky. He was born into slavery, but he became free when he was ten years old. After gaining his freedom, he went to a special school for freed people in Greensburg. There, he got his first education.
In 1870, he moved to Louisville to live with his aunt. He worked for a short time helping in a home. The next year, in 1871, he moved back to Green County to become a teacher. Buckner later moved to Indiana to continue his education. He studied to be a teacher at Indiana State Normal School in Terre Haute. Then, he studied to become a doctor at the Indiana Eclectic Medical College.
A Doctor and Diplomat
After finishing his teaching studies, Buckner taught in different towns like Vincennes, Washington, and Evansville. He married Stella White in Vincennes in 1879, but she sadly passed away in 1889.
Buckner finished medical school in 1890. He worked as a doctor in Indianapolis for a year. Then, he moved to Evansville and opened his own doctor's office. In 1896, he married Anna Cowen in Evansville, and they had five children.
A powerful politician named John W. Boehne, who was a Democrat from Evansville, told President Woodrow Wilson about Buckner. Because of this, President Wilson chose Buckner to be the Minister Resident to Liberia in 1913. This was a very important job, like being an ambassador. Buckner worked in this role until 1915. During this time, he also served as the American Consul General in Monrovia, which is the capital city of Liberia. He often got sick with fevers because of the warm climate. So, he decided to leave his job and return to Evansville.
Helping His Community
George Washington Buckner was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was very involved in helping his community in Evansville. He helped start the Cherry Street Black YMCA, which is a community center. He also helped create the United Brotherhood of Friendship.
Buckner was an active member of the Democratic Party. He often worked closely with his friend, Congressman John W. Boehne. He regularly wrote a section in the region's Democratic newsletter called "Colored Folks." In this section, he encouraged people to support the Democratic Party. Because of his efforts, he was known as the "Elder Statesman of Indiana Blacks."
He passed away in Evansville at the age of 87. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Evansville.
Legacy
- A housing project in Evansville, called George W. Buckner Towers, is named after him.
