Joseph Jenkins Roberts

Joseph Jenkins Roberts, President of Liberia, was born in Virginia
Joseph Jenkins Roberts, President of Liberia, was born in Virginia
Source: Library of Congress, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, half-length portrait, full face

Virginia is the "Mother of Presidents" - not all of whom served as the president of the United States.

Joseph Jenkins Roberts, born in Norfolk, was the governor and then first president of Liberia on the coast of West Africa. He was born as a free man; he was never enslaved. He worked as a boatman in Petersburg.1

the President's house in Monrovia offered a clear contrast to the slave housing in Virginia
the President's house in Monrovia offered a clear contrast to the slave housing in Virginia
Source: Library of Congress, President Robert's house, Monrovia

Links

References

1. "1730s – 1930s, Petersburg Harbor and Port," Historic Petersburg Foundation, http://www.historicpetersburg.org/petersburg-historical-timeline/1730-1930s-petersburg-harbor-and-port/ (last checked January 30, 2019)


Places Associated With Famous Virginians
Virginia Places