John Henry Smythe or Smyth (July 14, 1844 – September 5, 1908) was an American diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to Liberia from 1878 to 1881 and from 1882 to 1885. Before his appointment, he had various clerkships in the federal government in Washington, DC, and in Wilmington, North Carolina. Later in his life he took part in a number of leading African American organizations and was president of a Reformatory School outside of Richmond, Virginia.
Attorney John Henry Smyth named US minister to Liberia
John Henry Smythe or Smyth (July 14, 1844 – September 5, 1908) was an American diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to Liberia from 1878 to 1881 and from 1882 to 1885.
Historical Significance
John Henry Smythe or Smyth (July 14, 1844 – September 5, 1908) was an American diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to Liberia from 1878 to 1881 and from 1882 to 1885.
Events Before
American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
Test cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses the second Test by four
Test cricket debut of feared Australian fast bowler Fred "The Demon" Spofforth; Australia loses the second Test by four wickets to England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
World's first home telephone is installed in Somerville, Massachusetts at the house of Charles Williams Jr. [1]
The Charles Williams Jr. House, built in 1858, is a historic house in Somerville, Massachusetts. Charles Williams Jr.
Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire
Russo-Turkish War: Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire
First Wimbledon tennis championship - first official lawn tennis tournament - begins featuring men's singles only
The 1877 Wimbledon Championship was a men's tennis tournament held at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club (AEC & LTC) in Wimbledon, London.
Events After
E. M. Forster is born
E. M. Forster, English novelist and writer, known for english novelist and writer, was born on 1879-01-01. Edward Morgan Forster (1 January 1879 – 7 June 1970) was an English author.
Dutch King William II marries Emma von Waldeck-Pyrmont
William III (Dutch: Willem III, French: Guillaume III; 19 February 1817 – 23 November 1890) was King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1849 until his death in 1890, and was also...
Anglo-Zulu War begins as British Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford invades Zululand in South Africa
Anglo-Zulu War begins as British Lieutenant General Lord Chelmsford invades Zululand in South Africa
Battle of Rorke's Drift: A British garrison of about 150 holds off 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses
Battle of Rorke's Drift: A British garrison of about 150 holds off 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses and several other decorations are awarded to the defenders.
Chile declares war on Bolivia and Peru, starting the War of the Pacific
The War of the Pacific (Spanish: Guerra del Pacífico), also known by multiple other names, was a war between Chile and a Bolivian–Peruvian alliance from 1879 to 1884.
More from the 1870s
Belgium disbands its salt tax
Belgium disbands its salt tax
The Moerdijk railway bridge over Hollands Diep in South Holland opens, becoming the longest bridge in Europe at that tim
The Moerdijk railway bridge over Hollands Diep in South Holland opens, becoming the longest bridge in Europe at that time
Japan adopts the Gregorian calendar
Japanese calendar types have included a range of official and unofficial systems. At present, Japan uses the Gregorian calendar together with year designations stating the year of the reign of the…
New York City annexes the West Bronx
The boroughs of New York City are the five major governmental districts that compose New York City. They are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 23, 1878?
- John Henry Smythe or Smyth (July 14, 1844 – September 5, 1908) was an American diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to Liberia from 1878 to 1881 and from 1882 to 1885. Before his appointment, he had various clerkships in the federal government in Washington, DC, and in Wilmington, North Carolina. Later in his life he took part in a number of leading African American organizations and was president of a Reformatory School outside of Richmond, Virginia.
- Why is Attorney John Henry Smyth named US minister to Liberia significant?
- John Henry Smythe or Smyth (July 14, 1844 – September 5, 1908) was an American diplomat who served as the United States ambassador to Liberia from 1878 to 1881 and from 1882 to 1885.