James W. Lugenbeel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James W. Lugenbeel
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| Born | 1819 Virginia, US
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| Died | September 22, 1857 (aged 37–38) |
| Occupation | physician, diplomat |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Alice Davy |
James Washington Lugenbeel (1819–1857) was an American doctor and diplomat. He worked for the American Colonization Society, an organization that helped free African Americans move to Liberia in Africa. Dr. Lugenbeel was a physician (doctor) for the colony and also worked for the United States government. His personal journal is super important because it's the only known record of how Liberia's constitution was created in 1847!
Contents
Life and Work
Early Life and Journey to Liberia
James Lugenbeel was born in 1819 in Virginia, USA. He later married Martha Alice Davy in Alexandria, Virginia.
In 1843, the American Colonization Society (ACS) chose him to be the colonial physician for Liberia. This meant he would be the main doctor for the new settlement. The U.S. government also made him an agent to help "recaptured Africans." These were people who had been taken by slave traders but were then freed by the U.S. Navy.
One of his students was James Skivring Smith, who later became a president of Liberia. Dr. Lugenbeel sailed to Liberia on September 25, 1843, and arrived there in November.
Challenges and Important Records
In December 1845, Dr. Lugenbeel faced a big challenge. He suddenly had to care for 756 recaptured Africans who had been saved from a slave ship. He managed to help them all.
In April 1846, he had to return to the United States because he was not feeling well. However, he soon went back to Liberia. In 1847, Liberia was creating its own constitution. The official notes from these meetings were lost over time. Luckily, Dr. Lugenbeel kept detailed notes in his personal journal. His journal is now the only way we know what happened during those important meetings!
Diplomatic Role and Writings
Dr. Lugenbeel's role in Liberia grew. In 1848, he became a United States Commercial Agent. This meant he helped with trade between the U.S. and Liberia. He was also the first U.S. consular agent in Monrovia, Liberia's capital city. A consular agent helps citizens from their home country who are living or traveling abroad.
He returned to the U.S. again in May 1849. In 1850, he published a book called Sketches of Liberia. This book shared his experiences and described Liberia's geography, climate, and common diseases. It was one of the first books to tell people about the country. He updated the book in 1853. He also wrote articles for a magazine called the African Repository.
Later Life
After returning to the U.S., Dr. Lugenbeel became the recording secretary for the American Colonization Society. He held this job until he passed away on September 22, 1857, in Alexandria, Virginia.
Years after his death, a famous artist named Thomas Sully painted a portrait of Dr. Lugenbeel. The painting was given to the American Colonization Society and later to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
