Hilary Teague facts for kids

Hilary Teague (born 1802, died 1853) was an important person in the early history of Liberia. He was a businessman, a writer for newspapers, and a politician. Teague was born in Virginia, United States. He was known for being a great speaker. He played a big part in helping Liberia become an independent country. In 1847, he wrote the Liberian Declaration of Independence. After Liberia became independent, he served as a senator. He also became the first Secretary of State for the new nation.

Early Life and Work

Hilary Teague was born free in Virginia, United States, around 1802. His mother was Frances Teague. His father, Colin Teague, was a former slave. Colin became a Baptist missionary. He helped start the colony of Liberia in West Africa. The Teague family moved to West Africa in 1821.

Hilary Teague also became a Baptist minister in Monrovia. He was a merchant, trading goods like palm oil. In 1835, Teague took over the Liberia Herald newspaper. He became its owner and editor. The previous editor, John Brown Russwurm, left to become a governor.

As editor, Teague strongly supported Liberia becoming independent. He used ideas about self-governance, black pride, and Christianity. He stayed as the newspaper's head until 1849. Then, he left to focus completely on politics.

Political Career

In 1835, Teague became the Colonial Secretary for the Liberian colony. This was an important government job. In 1839, he was a clerk at a special meeting. This meeting shared the settlers' ideas about changing the colony's rules. These ideas were given to the American Colonization Society.

Teague was very important at the Constitutional Convention of 1847. He represented Montserrado County. He helped discuss and approve the Liberian Constitution of 1847. He also wrote the Liberian Declaration of Independence. This document spoke out against how African Americans were treated. It highlighted their struggles as slaves and as second-class citizens in the United States.

After Liberia declared its independence in 1847, Teague became the country's first Secretary of State. He also wrote Liberia's special song for independence. Hilary Teague died in Liberia on May 21, 1853. At the time of his death, he was serving as the country's attorney general.