Joseph Rudolph Grimes
Joseph Rudolph Grimes (October 31, 1923 – September 7, 2007) was a leading politician in Liberia. A trained lawyer, he served as Secretary of state from 1960 to 1972.
Early life
Grimes was born on October 31, 1923, to Louis Arthur Grimes and Victoria Grimes.[1] He was educated at the College of West Africa (now Methodist University of Liberia) before graduating from Liberia College (now University of Liberia) with a Bachelor of Arts degree.[1] Grimes then attended Harvard Law School in the United States where he earned a law degree, followed by a master's degree from Columbia University in New York City in international affairs.[1]
Career
Following his education in America, he returned to Liberia where he founded the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the now University of Liberia.[1] Named after his father, the younger Grimes served as the first dean starting in 1951.[1]
In 1958, he was appointed as the Acting Secretary of State of Liberia.[1] In 1960, he became the third foreign minister (Secretary of State) under President William Tubman. Serving until 1971, he is the longest serving foreign minister in Liberian history.[1] He was preceded by Momolu Dukuly and was replaced by Rocheforte Lafayette Weeks.
Later years
Joseph Rudolph Grimes died on September 7, 2007,[2] at his home in Guttenberg, New Jersey, at the age of 83.[1]