William D. Coleman
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| William D. Coleman | |
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13th President of Liberia
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| In office November 12, 1896 – December 11, 1900 |
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| Vice President(s) | J. J. Ross |
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| Preceded by | Joseph James Cheeseman |
| Succeeded by | Garretson W. Gibson |
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| Born | 1842 Kentucky, United States |
| Political party | True Whig |
William David Coleman (1842 – 1908) was the 13th President of Liberia, serving from 1896 to 1900.
He was born in Fayette County, Kentucky and emigrated to Liberia at the age of 11. He was trained as a carpenter, but became a successful trader before entering politics. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1877, becoming Speaker of the House. He was elected Senator for Montserrado County in 1879 and served in that position until he was elected Vice President under Joseph James Cheeseman on the True Whig ticket in 1892. They were re-elected twice, and Coleman became president when President Cheeseman died in office.
He was elected twice in his own right and centered his policies on education and improving the financial state of the country. He re-opened Liberia College and reorganized the customs department, opening bonded warehouses at ports of entry. He also attempted to exploit the country's natural resources, but met opposition to his policies, which eventually forced his resignation.
He remained active in politics, running three more times for president, but being defeated each time.
He died in his home town of Clay-Ashland, Kentucky.
| Preceded by: Alfred Francis Russell |
Vice-President of Liberia 1892 – 1896 |
Succeeded by: J. J. Ross |
| Preceded by: Joseph James Cheeseman |
President of Liberia 1896 – 1900 |
Succeeded by: Garretson W. Gibson |
| Presidents of Liberia |  |
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| Joseph J. Roberts • Stephen Allen Benson • Daniel Bashiel Warner • James Spriggs Payne • Edward J. Roye • James Skivring Smith • Joseph J. Roberts • James Spriggs Payne • Anthony W. Gardiner • Alfred Francis Russell • Hilary R. W. Johnson • Joseph James Cheeseman • William D. Coleman • Garretson W. Gibson • Arthur Barclay • Daniel Edward Howard • Charles D.B. King • Edwin Barclay • William Tubman • William R. Tolbert, Jr. • Samuel Doe • Amos Sawyer† • David D. Kpormakpor† • Wilton G. S. Sankawulo† • Ruth Perry† • Charles G. Taylor • Moses Blah • Gyude Bryant† • Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf † denotes non-presidential head of state |
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