Daniel Bashiel Warner (April 19, 1815 – December 1, 1880) was a Liberian politician who served as the 3rd President of Liberia from 1864 to 1868. A member of the Liberian Republican Party, Warner served as the country’s vice president from 1860 to 1864 under the presidency of Stephen A. Benson.
Early Life and Career
Warner was born on April 19, 1815, in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1823, at the age of 9, Warner and his family immigrated to the newly-established colony of Liberia.
In 1847, Warner wrote the lyrics and music for the song “All hail Liberia, hail”, which became Liberia’s national anthem upon its independence that same year.
When Liberia gained independence in 1847, Warner was elected as the first Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives, serving until 1849.
In 1854, Liberian president Joseph Roberts appointed Warner to be his secretary of state. Warner’s term ended in 1856 when Stephen A. Benson became president.
In 1860, Benson chose Warner to be his vice president. Warner later became president in 1864 after winning the election of 1863.
Presidency
After winning the 1863 election, Warner was inaugurated as Liberia’s 3rd president on January 4, 1864. During his presidency, Warner improved the relationship between the African-American settlers and the indigenous tribes of the interior. In 1867, Warner joined an expedition into the interior. The expedition, led by Benjamin Anderson, went as far as the village of Moussadou (located in present-day Guinea).
In 1868, Warner retired from the presidency and was succeeded by James Payne.
Death
Daniel B. Warner died on December 1, 1880 at the age of 65. He is buried in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia.