Alfred F. Russell
President 1883-1884

Published:  16 September, 2005

Alfred Francis Russell (? – 1884) originated from Kentucky, U.S.A., before coming to Liberia in 1833. He was Vice President of Liberia when President Anthony William Gardiner’s handling of a boundary dispute with the British was disapproved by a number of senators. Vice President Russell shared the criticism and soon headed the opposition against Gardiner’s willingness to give up a large part of Liberian territory. President Gardiner resigned over the boundary question on January 20, 1883. Russell served Gardiner's unexpired term from January 20, 1883 to January 7, 1884 when he was succeeded by Hilary Richard Wright Johnson who had won the elections held in May 1883. Alfred Francis Russell died on April 4, 1884. The following year, the disputed territory was officially ceded to Great Britain (‘the Galinas territory’).

Gain access to this and all other stories. Subscribe now to www.liberianobserver.com! Click the banner at the top of the page to subscribe!