Joseph Jenkins Roberts (March 15, 1809 – February 24, 1876) was the first Governor of Liberia under the 1846 Constitution and served (1847-1855). Roberts was born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, and emigrated to Liberia in 1829. He opened a trading store in Monrovia, and later engaged in politics. Roberts was originally Governor before the 1846 Constitution and served from 1841 to 1846 and would easily win election as Governor under the 1846 Constitution and would win reelection in 1850.