William Tolbert
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 (aged 66) Monrovia, Liberia |
| 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
On April 12, 1980, Tolbert was shot dead 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
- ↑ Tolbert, Richard. Liberia: William R. Tolbert – 'In the Pantheon of Great African Leaders'. AllAfrica.com 2009-05-28. Accessed 2012-06-23.