US Diplomat. Born a slave in Greensburg, Kentucky, he was educated as a teacher at Indiana State Normal School in 1871 and taught in Vincennes, Indiana. While as a teacher, he attended Indiana Eclectic Medical College, graduated with medical degree in 1890 and opened a doctor's office in Evansville, Indiana. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him the first African-American diplomat to a foreign country as US Minister to the West African nation of Liberia. During his time in position, he also served as American Consul General in Monrovia, Liberia. Due to becoming ill frequently with fever because of the tropical climate in Liberia, he resigned in 1915. He returned to Evansville, Indiana, practiced medicine and was active in civic affairs. He helped establish the Cherry Street Black YMCA and the United Brotherhood of Friendship. He died at the age of 87.
US Diplomat. Born a slave in Greensburg, Kentucky, he was educated as a teacher at Indiana State Normal School in 1871 and taught in Vincennes, Indiana. While as a teacher, he attended Indiana Eclectic Medical College, graduated with medical degree in 1890 and opened a doctor's office in Evansville, Indiana. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him the first African-American diplomat to a foreign country as US Minister to the West African nation of Liberia. During his time in position, he also served as American Consul General in Monrovia, Liberia. Due to becoming ill frequently with fever because of the tropical climate in Liberia, he resigned in 1915. He returned to Evansville, Indiana, practiced medicine and was active in civic affairs. He helped establish the Cherry Street Black YMCA and the United Brotherhood of Friendship. He died at the age of 87.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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