William Spencer Anderson

William Spencer Anderson (c. 1832 – 27 September 1872) was an African American politician and explorer in Liberia. Originally a barber, Anderson emigrated to Liberia at the age of 20 and within five years had inherited a sugar plantation. He expanded the business and became the largest producer of sugar and coffee in Liberia. Entering politics with the True Whig Party Anderson was selected to be Speaker of the House of Representatives of Liberia, from 1869 to 1871. He undertook an expedition to drive a road from Monrovia to Moussodougou in what is now Burkina Faso but he was forced to abandon the attempt. Returning to Monrovia, Anderson successfully negotiated a $500,000 loan for the government from British financiers. However he received criticism for the terms of the loan and was arrested. He was assassinated on 27 September 1872.

Early life Born free in Wilmington, Delaware in 1832, Anderson worked as a barber and belonged to the Protestant Episcopal Church. Anderson emigrated to Liberia in January 1853, at the age of 20, and inherited a large sugar plantation on the Saint Paul River in 1858. William Spencer Anderson left Monrovia during the House's recess in May 1870 with a supply of trade goods, a number of porters, and an armed escort.

Anderson was tasked with establishing a road, protected by a series of fortified posts, to link Monrovia and Moussodougou. He was authorised to purchase land and negotiate treaties with local tribes in order to facilitate this. He wrote back to Monrovia to say he was ending the expedition, claiming his "means are exhausted". He was likely referring to the prevention of his journey by warring local groups, though the delay may also have been caused by lack of resources, ill health, or political reasons. Anderson was killed in a shooting carried out by Jesse Sharp on 27 September 1872. Anderson was shot as he left a courthouse where a trial had just ended in his favor and the assassination was linked to politics, Roye having been recently ousted by his political opponents.