Stephen Allen Benson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Allen Benson
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| 2nd President of Liberia | |
| In office January 7, 1856 – January 4, 1864 |
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| Vice President | Beverly Page Yates Daniel Bashiel Warner |
| Preceded by | Joseph Jenkins Roberts |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Bashiel Warner |
| 3rd Vice President of Liberia | |
| In office January 2, 1854 – January 7, 1856 |
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| President | Joseph Jenkins Roberts |
| Preceded by | Anthony D. Williams |
| Succeeded by | Beverly Page Yates |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 21, 1816 Cambridge, Maryland, United States |
| Died | January 24, 1865 (aged 48) Grand Bassa County, Liberia |
| Political party | Republican |
Stephen Allen Benson was an important leader in Liberia. He was the second President of Liberia from 1856 to 1864. Before that, he was the third Vice President from 1854 to 1856, working with President Joseph Jenkins Roberts. Stephen Benson was born in the United States. He was special because he was the first president who had lived in Liberia since he was a child. He moved there with his family in 1822.
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Early Life and Career
Stephen Benson was born in Cambridge, Maryland, in the United States. His parents were African-Americans who were born free. In 1822, when Stephen was only six years old, his family moved to the new country of Liberia. They sailed there on a ship called the Brig Strong.
As a young man, Stephen Benson worked as a shopkeeper for the military. He also served as a private secretary to Thomas Buchanan. Buchanan was the last white governor of Liberia. After this, Benson became a successful businessman.
In 1835, Benson joined the local militia, which was like a volunteer army. By 1842, he became a representative to the Colonial Council. This council helped govern the area. After Liberia became an independent country in 1847, Stephen Benson became a judge. He was also a Methodist preacher. Before becoming president, he served as the Secretary of the Treasury.
Becoming President (1856–1864)
In 1853, Stephen Benson became the Vice President under President Joseph Jenkins Roberts. He served in this role for three years. Then, in 1856, he won the election and became the second President of Liberia.
Working with Other Countries
During his time as president, Stephen Benson worked hard to get other countries to recognize Liberia as an independent nation. This was very important for Liberia's future. He successfully got many countries to officially recognize Liberia:
- Belgium in 1858
- Denmark in 1860
- The United States and Italy in 1862
- Norway and Sweden in 1863
- Haiti in 1864
Expanding Liberia's Borders
President Benson also helped Liberia grow. In 1857, he arranged for the Republic of Maryland to join Liberia. By 1860, Liberia had made agreements and purchases with local African leaders. This helped Liberia extend its coastline to about 600 miles (1000 kilometers).
Later Life and Legacy
After his presidency ended in 1864, Stephen Benson retired. He moved to his coffee plantation in Grand Bassa County. He passed away there in 1865.
Stephen Benson is remembered in a special way. A type of lizard found only in Liberia is named after him: Trachylepis bensonii. This shows his lasting connection to his country.
See also
