Moses A. Hopkins
Encyclopedia
Moses Aaron Hopkins was an African-American clergyman and educator who served as United States minister (ambassador) to Liberia
in 1885-1886. He died while in Liberia.
Hopkins, born a slave in Virginia
, was the first black graduate of Auburn Theological Seminary
in New York and eventually settled in Franklinton, North Carolina
, where he established a church and a school. Hopkins was first appointed minister to Liberia by President Grover Cleveland
through a recess appointment
and was later confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Liberia
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Sierra Leone on the west, Guinea on the north and Côte d'Ivoire on the east. Liberia's coastline is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the more sparsely populated inland consists of forests that open...
in 1885-1886. He died while in Liberia.
Hopkins, born a slave in Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, was the first black graduate of Auburn Theological Seminary
Auburn Theological Seminary
Auburn Theological Seminary was founded in 1818. Auburn Theological Seminary focuses on religious leadership development, movement-building, and research. Auburn is based in New York City and exists in covenant with the Presbyterian Church ....
in New York and eventually settled in Franklinton, North Carolina
Franklinton, North Carolina
Franklinton is a town in Franklin County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,745 at the 2000 census. It is home to a plant operated by Novozymes. Novozymes North America Inc...
, where he established a church and a school. Hopkins was first appointed minister to Liberia by President Grover Cleveland
Grover Cleveland
Stephen Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. Cleveland is the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms and therefore is the only individual to be counted twice in the numbering of the presidents...
through a recess appointment
Recess appointment
A recess appointment is the appointment, by the President of the United States, of a senior federal official while the U.S. Senate is in recess. The U.S. Constitution requires that the most senior federal officers must be confirmed by the Senate before assuming office, but while the Senate is in...
and was later confirmed by the U.S. Senate.