Joseph Jenkins Roberts (March 15, 1809 – February 24, 1876) was an American-born Liberian merchant and politician who served as the 1st President of Liberia between 1848 to 1856. He also served as the 7th president between 1872 and 1876.
Early Life
Joseph Roberts was born on March 15, 1809, in Norfolk, Virginia. His parents were James Roberts and Amelia Jenkins. As a child, Joseph was raised in the town of Petersburg, Virginia, where he worked for his father’s business.
Emigration to Liberia
In 1828, Roberts married a young woman named Sarah. The following year, Roberts and his new wife decided that they would depart by ship to the newly-founded colony of Liberia. Roberts initially did not want to leave, but he left due to restrictions in Virginia on freed colored people.
On February 9, 1829, Roberts and his family departed on the Harriet. Another passenger on the Harriet was James Payne, who later served as Liberia’s 4th and 8th president.
In 1830, Sarah Roberts died, leaving Joseph Roberts a widower.