Henrico Black History Month Spotlight – Hilary Teague
In honor of February as Black History Month, the Henrico Citizen will spotlight (on each weekday during the month) an important current or former Black resident of Henrico whose life has helped shape the county.
Hilary Teague, a native of Henrico County who rose from modest beginnings in Virginia to become one of the founding political architects of Liberia, is increasingly being recognized as a key figure in the creation of the West African republic and as a pioneer of Liberian journalism and independence.
Born in Virginia in 1802 to Frances and Colin Teague, Hilary grew up in a deeply religious household. His father, born into slavery, purchased his freedom and became an active member of Richmond’s Providence Baptist Church. Through their involvement in missionary work, the Teague family relocated to the West African coast when Hilary was just 14 years old, joining efforts led by Virginia Baptist missionaries seeking to establish a new community in Africa.
In Liberia, Teague first followed in his father’s footsteps as a Baptist minister in Monrovia. Although he briefly attempted business ventures, including palm-oil trading, his strengths soon emerged in writing and political leadership.
As editor and later owner of the Liberia Herald, Teague used journalism as a platform to advocate for self-government at a time when the colony remained under the control of the American Colonization Society.
His editorials blended religious conviction, republican ideals and pan-African thought, pushing forcefully for independence and the political rights of Black settlers and indigenous people.
Historians have described his writings as sharp and often fiery, reflecting frustration with the exclusion of Black people from citizenship and opportunity in the United States. In one editorial, he wrote of his lasting affection for Virginia despite the discrimination faced there, urging the new settlement to adopt only the best values of the old world.
By the late 1830s, Teague entered politics directly, serving as colonial secretary and helping draft constitutional reforms. His influence grew steadily as the push for independence intensified.
At a constitutional convention in 1847, Teague helped debate and ratify Liberia’s founding constitution and played a central role in drafting the nation’s declaration of independence — a document modeled on the American declaration but sharply critical of slavery and unequal rights.
When Liberia declared independence in 1847, Teague was appointed the country’s first secretary of state, serving from 1848 to 1850. He later became attorney general, continuing to shape the young nation’s legal and political foundations. He also wrote Liberia’s national anthem, underscoring his role in shaping the country’s early identity.
Teague died on May 21, 1853, at age 51, while still serving in public office. He is buried at Palm Grove Cemetery in Montserrado County, Liberia, and left no biological children.
Today, scholars increasingly refer to him as the “Father of Liberia’s Independence,” crediting his writing, political leadership and unwavering advocacy for self-rule.
