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Benson, Stephen Allen
Born: 1816 AD
Died: 1865 AD, at 48 years of age.
Nationality: Liberian
Categories: Politician, Presidents
Died: 1865 AD, at 48 years of age.
Nationality: Liberian
Categories: Politician, Presidents
1816 - Born on May 21st in Maryland. Liberian-American businessman and politician.
1822 - He and his family immigrated to Liberia.
1835 - He joined the militia and was stationed in Grand Bassa County; remained there after his service working in trade and agriculture.
1842 - Benson was first elected to office, winning a seat on the Colonial Council.
1853 - After Liberia gained its independence, he served as a judge until his election as Vice President.
1856 - Elected president of Liberia.
1857 - His biggest accomplishment was the annexation of the Colony of Maryland, now Maryland Country, into the Republic of Liberia.
1858-1864 - He also obtained the recognition of Liberia from the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Norway and Sweden, and Haiti.
- Benson was the first Liberian President to speak several native languages, favoring a progressive policy toward Liberia's native peoples; regrettably, this policy remained largely unimplemented.
- He left office and returned to his coffee plantation in Grand Bassa County.
1865 - Stephen Benson died.
1822 - He and his family immigrated to Liberia.
1835 - He joined the militia and was stationed in Grand Bassa County; remained there after his service working in trade and agriculture.
1842 - Benson was first elected to office, winning a seat on the Colonial Council.
1853 - After Liberia gained its independence, he served as a judge until his election as Vice President.
1856 - Elected president of Liberia.
1857 - His biggest accomplishment was the annexation of the Colony of Maryland, now Maryland Country, into the Republic of Liberia.
1858-1864 - He also obtained the recognition of Liberia from the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Norway and Sweden, and Haiti.
- Benson was the first Liberian President to speak several native languages, favoring a progressive policy toward Liberia's native peoples; regrettably, this policy remained largely unimplemented.
- He left office and returned to his coffee plantation in Grand Bassa County.
1865 - Stephen Benson died.
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