Jonathan Binns facts for kids

Jonathan Binns (1747-1818) was an English doctor and a member of the Quakers, a religious group. He was also an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. Jonathan Binns is famous for being one of only two people from Liverpool who signed an important petition in 1783. This petition asked the government to stop slavery.

Early Life and Career

Jonathan Binns was born in 1747. His father, also named Jonathan Binns, sold leather. His mother was Eliz Sutcliffe.

Jonathan trained with his uncle to become an apothecary, which was like a pharmacist who prepared medicines. He worked as a chemist for a short time. Then, in 1772, he went to Edinburgh to study and become a doctor.

After finishing his studies, he came back to Liverpool to work as a doctor. He married Mary Allbright and they built their home on Bold Street. They had two children together.

Fighting Against Slavery

In 1783, Jonathan Binns attended a yearly meeting in London with other Quakers. At this meeting, he signed a petition that was sent to the government. This petition asked for an end to the buying and selling of enslaved people by a company called the Royal African Company. This company was deeply involved in the slave trade.

Out of 273 Quakers who signed the petition, only Jonathan Binns and a ship merchant named William Rathbone IV were from Liverpool. This was very significant because by 1795, Liverpool was a major port for the Atlantic slave trade. Over 40% of all European slave trade went through Liverpool.

Because Jonathan Binns spoke out against slavery, he became very unpopular in Liverpool. Many people in the city supported the slave trade, and they did not like his views. He even faced threats because of his strong beliefs.

Later Life

Jonathan Binns left Liverpool when his career was at its peak. It is thought that he left because of the strong opposition he faced due to his anti-slavery views.

He became an honorary superintendent at Ackworth School, a school run by Quakers. Later, he moved to Lancaster. He continued to work as a doctor there until he passed away in 1818.