Emigration To Western Africa
Early in 1820, Daniel Coker sailed for Africa on board the Elizabeth. He was part of 86 emigrants assisted by the American Colonization Society (ACS). This voyage of the Elizabeth marks the beginning of what is now Liberia. Coker is one of the first African American missionaries to go to Africa. While in transit, ten days after the ship left New York, he organized the first foreign branch of the AME Church. The ACS planned to settle a colony at Sherbro. Swampy, disease-ridden conditions soon claimed the lives of all but one of the twelve white colonists and many of the African Americans, as well. Just before his death, the expedition's leader asked Coker to take charge of the venture. He helped the remaining colonists get through their despair and to survive.
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