10 Facts About Edwin Barclay

Edwin James Barclay was a Liberian politician, poet, and musician who served as the 18th president of Liberia from 1930 until 1944.

Edwin Barclay was a member of the True Whig political party, which dominated the political governance of the country for decades.

Edwin Barclay became President of Liberia in 1930 when President King and Vice President Allen Yancy resigned after being implicated by a League of Nations investigation as having profited from forced labor.

Edwin Barclay was elected in his own right for the first time in 1931.

Edwin Barclay is credited with helping the country survive some of Liberia's greatest threats to its sovereignty in that country's history.

When Edwin Barclay appealed to the League of Nations for help, the Council of the League of Nations established a commission of inquiry.

Until 3 January 1944, Edwin Barclay was Liberian President, to be succeeded by William Tubman.

Edwin Barclay was the first black man to be officially introduced from the rostrum of the United States Congress as a guest of honor.

Edwin Barclay retired in 1944 and was replaced by William Tubman.

Edwin Barclay ran against Tubman in the 1955 presidential election, but received only about 1,100 votes.