William D. Coleman (politician)
William D. Coleman | |
---|---|
13th President of Liberia | |
In office November 12, 1896 – December 11, 1900 | |
Vice President | Joseph J. Ross |
Preceded by | Joseph James Cheeseman |
Succeeded by | Garretson W. Gibson |
13th Vice President of Liberia | |
In office January 4, 1892 – November 12, 1896 | |
President | Joseph James Cheeseman |
Preceded by | James Thompson |
Succeeded by | Joseph J. Ross |
Personal details | |
Born | July 18, 1842 True Whig |
Spouse |
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William David Coleman (July 18, 1842
Early life
Of
Political career
In 1877, he was elected to the House of Representatives to represent
Personal life
In 1896, Coleman married Ophelia Coleman, a native of
Presidency (1896–1900)
In 1896, Coleman's predecessor, Joseph Cheeseman, became the first president in Liberian history to die in office. William Coleman centered his policies on three cornerstones: education, finances, and interior policy. As part of this policy, he worked with his friend, Dr.
Opposition, resignation
As his term progressed, he faced gradually increasing opposition from the citizenry for his execution of policies concerning the interior and the native tribes. After a falling out with political allies and his own cabinet over his policies placed more pressure on his administration, he resigned from office in December 1900.[3] Coleman's successor was his secretary of state, Garretson W. Gibson, since the vice president had already died in office. Under existing succession laws, Speaker of the House Robert H. Marshall should have become president, but some felt that he was unsuited for the position. As a result, the legislature repealed the 1873 succession law and gave the presidency to Gibson.[5]
Later years
After resigning the presidency, Coleman continued to be an active player in Liberian politics. He ran for president three more times (1901, 1903, and 1905) as a member of the People's Party, losing each election. He died in 1908 in Clay-Ashland at the age of 65.[3] His son Samuel David Coleman was also involved in politics and was killed by government forces on June 27, 1955, after accusations of a failed coup.[5]
Legacy
- The William D. Coleman High School in Clay-Ashland, Liberia was built in his memory.
- William D. Coleman is survived by numerous descendants in Liberia and the Liberian diaspora (the Richards & Coleman Family). Notable members of the family include his descendants, NFL player Tevin Coleman.
See also
References
- ^ "William D. Coleman, Politician born". African American Registry. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ISBN 9783598441691– via Google Books.
- ^ a b c d e "William David Coleman". Daily Observer. September 16, 2005. Archived from the original on September 4, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-27.
- ^ "First Lady of Liberia Dies". The Age-Herald. Birmingham, Alabama. 30 July 1898. p. 1. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
- ^ a b "William David Coleman". Liberia: Past and Present of Africa's Oldest Republic. June 16, 2008. Archived from the original on 2020-02-26. Retrieved 2008-09-27.