William D. Coleman

William David Coleman (* 1842 in Fayette County , Kentucky , † 1908 in Clay-Ashland , Liberia ) was the 13th President of Liberia from 1896 to 1900 .

He was born in Fayette County, Kentucky and immigrated to Liberia at the age of eleven. Coleman learned the trade of carpenter, but became a successful trader before moving into politics. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1877. In 1879 he won the election to Senator of Montserrado County and held that mandate until he was elected Vice President of Joseph James Cheeseman in 1892 . They were re-elected twice, and Coleman took the presidency when Cheeseman died in 1896.

William David Coleman was re-elected twice and campaigned for education and the review of the country's finances. The Liberian College was reopened by him, he structured the affairs of the department and relaxed the customs regulations after taking office. He advocated the extraction of natural resources, but felt the oppositional sentiments that came against his advocacy and eventually caused his resignation.

He remained active in politics and ran three more times for president, but was always beaten by his opponents.

William Coleman died in his hometown of Clay-Ashland.

Web links

Group photo with Liberian cabinet members at a military parade (original collections of the Basel Mission Society)

personal data
SURNAME	Coleman, William D.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Coleman, William David
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	Liberian President (1896-1900)
DATE OF BIRTH	1842
PLACE OF BIRTH	Fayette County, Kentucky
DATE OF DEATH	1908
Place of death	Clay-Ashland , Liberia