William Tolbert
Appearance
William Tolbert | |
---|---|
Tolbert in 1978 | |
20th President of Liberia | |
In office 23 July 1971 – 12 April 1980 | |
Vice President | vacant (1971–1972) James Edward Greene (1972–1977) Bennie Dee Warner (1977–1980) |
Preceded by | William Tubman |
Succeeded by | Samuel Doe |
23rd Vice President of Liberia | |
In office 1 January 1952 – 23 July 1971 | |
President | William Tubman |
Preceded by | Clarence Simpson |
Succeeded by | James Edward Greene |
Personal details | |
Born | William Richard Tolbert Jr. 13 May 1913 Bensonville, Liberia |
Died | 12 April 1980 Monrovia, Liberia | (aged 66)
Cause of death | Assassination by firearm |
Resting place | Palm Grove Cemetery |
Political party | True Whig |
Spouse(s) | Victoria A. David (1916-1997) |
Children | 8 |
William Richard Tolbert Jr. (13 May 1913 – 12 April 1980) was the 20th President of Liberia from 1971 until he was assassinated in 1980 Liberian coup d'état in order by Samuel Doe.[1]
Death
[change | change source]On April 12, 1980, Tolbert was killed in Monrovia early today in a coup by disgruntled Army enlisted men ostensibly representing the long disenfranchised indigenous population of that country. He was shot three times in the head by a band of soldiers who broke into the executive mansion at 1 a.m., according to reports reaching here. Samuel Doe commands the soldiers by overthrow and execute Tolbert.
References
[change | change source]- ↑ Tolbert, Richard. Liberia: William R. Tolbert – 'In the Pantheon of Great African Leaders'. AllAfrica.com 2009-05-28. Accessed 2012-06-23.