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Joseph Jenkins Roberts | |
|---|---|
 Roberts c. 1865 | |
| 1st and 7th President of Liberia | |
| In office January 3, 1848 – January 7, 1856 | |
| Vice President | Nathaniel Brander Anthony D. Williams Stephen Allen Benson |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Allen Benson |
| In office January 1, 1872 – January 3, 1876 | |
| Vice President | Anthony W. Gardiner |
| Preceded by | James Skivring Smith |
| Succeeded by | James Spriggs Payne |
| 2nd Governor of Liberia | |
| In office September 3, 1841 – January 3, 1848 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Buchanan |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 15, 1809 Norfolk, Virginia, United States |
| Died | February 24, 1876 (aged 66) Monrovia, Liberia |
| Resting place | Palm Grove Cemetery Monrovia |
| Political party | Republican Party |
| Spouses |
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Joseph Jenkins Roberts (March 15, 1809 – February 24, 1876) was an American merchant who emigrated to Liberia in 1829, where he became a politician. Elected as the first (1848–1856) and seventh (1872–1876) president of Liberia after independence, he was the first man of African descent to govern the country, serving previously as governor from 1841 to 1848. He later returned to office following the 1871 Liberian coup d'état. Born free in Norfolk, Virginia, Roberts emigrated as a young man with his mother, siblings, wife, and child to the young West African colony. He opened a trading firm in Monrovia and later engaged in politics.