Joseph James Cheeseman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph James Cheeseman
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| 12th President of Liberia | |
| In office January 4, 1892 – November 12, 1896 |
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| Vice President | William D. Coleman |
| Preceded by | Hilary R. W. Johnson |
| Succeeded by | William D. Coleman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1843 Edina, Liberia |
| Died | November 12, 1896 (aged 53) Monrovia, Liberia |
| Political party | True Whig |
| Alma mater | Liberia College |
Joseph James Cheeseman (born March 7, 1843 – died November 12, 1896) was an important leader. He became the 12th President of Liberia. Cheeseman was born in a place called Edina. This town is in Grand Bassa County. He was chosen as president three times. He belonged to a political group called the True Whig party. Joseph Cheeseman went to Liberia College. Today, this school is known as the University of Liberia.
Contents
Joseph Cheeseman's Time as President (1892–1896)
Liberia's Economy During His Presidency
After 1868, Liberia faced tough economic times. The country struggled to control its own people living near the coast. Things got worse because Liberia spent much more money on things it bought from other countries. This was more than the money it earned from selling its own products. These products included coffee, rice, palm oil, sugarcane, and wood. Liberia really tried to make its economy better. It was mostly based on farming, and they wanted to modernize it.
Setting Liberia's Borders
In 1892, a country called France made Liberia give up some land. This land was beyond Cape Palmas. Liberia had controlled this area for a long time. The president before Cheeseman, President Johnson, was in charge of these talks. But he left office before the agreement was signed.
From this year on, Liberia's official borders started to be set. Sometimes, Britain and France seemed to want more land from Liberia. They wanted to make their own nearby territories bigger. But when U.S. warships showed up, it helped stop these countries from taking more land. Even so, American leaders did not always give Liberia strong support.
Dealing with Tribal Uprisings
Some tribal groups living inland were fighting each other. These fights started in the mid-1880s and lasted until the late 1890s. For example, the Gola and Mandingo groups fought over trade routes. Different groups of the Gola people also fought among themselves.
During President Cheeseman's time, there were several struggles. These were with the Kru, Gola, and Grebo tribes. These tribes did not like it when others moved into their lands. Cheeseman first tried to solve these problems peacefully.
A big uprising happened in 1893. The Grebo tribe attacked a town called Harper. Soldiers and a gunboat named Gorronomah were sent to stop the tribesmen.
President Cheeseman's Death
President Cheeseman died while still in office. This happened on November 12, 1896. His vice president, William David Coleman, took over. Coleman finished Cheeseman's term. He then served for another four years until 1900.
President Cheeseman and his wife are buried in Edina. Their graves are fancy and are next to their old mansion. The mansion is now in ruins and covered by plants.
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