James M. Priest facts for kids
James M. Priest (born July 8, 1819 – died May 16, 1883) was an important leader in Liberia, a country in Africa. He served as the sixth Vice President of Liberia from 1864 to 1868. He worked alongside President Daniel Bashiel Warner. James M. Priest was born into slavery in the U.S. state of Kentucky.
Early Life and Freedom
James M. Priest was born in 1819. At that time, he was born into slavery. However, the person who owned him, Jane Anderson Meaux, believed in education. She taught James and later set him free. She even sent him to Liberia to see what life was like for other former slaves who had moved there.
A New Home in Liberia
After his trip to Liberia, James returned to the United States. He continued his education and became a Presbyterian missionary. A missionary is someone who travels to teach about their religion and help people. In 1843, he moved to Liberia for good. He was helped by the American Colonization Society. This group helped free African Americans move to Liberia.
Becoming a Leader
James M. Priest became a very respected person in Liberia. Besides being a missionary, he also worked in the government. He was chosen to be a justice on the Liberian Supreme Court. This is like being a judge on the highest court in the country. Later, he became the Vice President, showing how much people trusted his leadership. He passed away in 1883.
