Samuel Bewley facts for kids

Samuel Bewley (born April 21, 1764 – died November 8, 1837) was an important Irish businessman. He was a silk merchant and also a kind person who helped many charities. With his son Charles, he started the famous company Bewley's, which is known for its tea and coffee.

Who Was Samuel Bewley?

Samuel Bewley was born in a place called Mountmellick in County Laois, Ireland. This was on April 21, 1764. His parents were Thomas and Susanna Bewley. His family belonged to a religious group called the Quakers. Quakers are known for their peaceful beliefs and for helping others.

Samuel Bewley married Elizabeth Fayle. They had a very large family with 3 daughters and 10 sons! He lived in different parts of Dublin, including Meath Street and William Street. Later, he lived at Rockville in County Dublin. He passed away on November 8, 1837.

Samuel Bewley's Business Life

Samuel Bewley likely started his career as an apprentice. This means he learned the silk trade from an experienced merchant in Dublin. After learning the ropes, he opened his own business selling silk.

Working with Family and Cotton

For a few years, from 1796 to about 1804, Samuel worked with his brother, John. They were involved in making cotton. This shows he was interested in different types of textiles.

Becoming a Ship Owner and Trader

From 1826, Samuel Bewley became a ship owner. This was a big step! His ships traveled to far-off places like Barbados, the Levant (which is the eastern Mediterranean region), and North America. He imported special goods from these places. These included dyes for cloth, and other items like liquorice paste and silkworm gut.

Helping the Dublin Chamber of Commerce

Samuel Bewley was very active in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. This is a group that helps businesses in Dublin. He helped bring the Chamber back to life starting in 1820. He was a council member and treasurer until 1837. He wrote many reports and helped keep the council working well together. He also represented the Chamber in important meetings with government officials.

Bringing Tea Directly to Ireland

One of Samuel Bewley's most important achievements was helping to change the rules about tea. Before, only the East India Company could bring tea to Ireland. Samuel worked to change this law. This meant Irish merchants could import tea directly.

In 1835, Samuel Bewley's own ship, named Hellas, was the first to sail directly from China to Dublin. It carried over 2,000 crates of tea! This large shipment of tea was the start of something special. Samuel and his son Charles used this tea to found their company, Bewley's.

Other Business Ventures

Samuel Bewley was also involved in other businesses. In 1822, he helped start the National Insurance Company. He was one of its treasurers for a few years. He was also a director and a major owner of the Mining Company of Ireland.

Samuel Bewley's Charity Work

Samuel Bewley was a very kind and caring person. As an elder in the Society of Friends (Quakers), he was very active in helping his community.

Helping Quakers and Others in Need

He was the treasurer for a group that helped Quakers who lost their homes and belongings during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. He also worked with the Dublin Tract Association, which spread religious writings.

Founding a Special Hospital

In 1807, Samuel Bewley suggested creating a Quaker retreat in Bloomfield, Dublin. This place was very special. It was the first in Ireland to offer gentle and kind treatment for people with mental illness. This was a big step forward in how people understood and cared for mental health.

Supporting Health and Peace

He was also involved with many other important groups:

• The Hibernian Society for Promotion of Permanent and Universal Peace (a group working for peace).
• The Cork Street Fever Hospital, Dublin (a hospital for people with fevers).
• The Sick Poor Institution (which helped sick people who were poor).
• The Meath Hospital.

Helping Refugees and Education

In 1823, he was the treasurer for a committee that raised money for Greek refugees. These were people who had to leave their homes on the Isle of Scio. In 1824, he also helped a group that raised money to educate people in Africa.

Working with Other Leaders

Samuel Bewley was known for being very good at solving problems and helping people agree. Because of this, some people called him the "Solomon of the Quakers." He worked closely with other important families, like the La Touche and Guinness families. Even though they were from different religious backgrounds, they worked together.

Together, they started the Kildare Place schools in 1811. These schools were open to everyone, no matter their religion. They also founded the Dublin Savings Bank in 1818, which helped people save money. In 1818, he was also a founding member of the Mendicity Institution, which worked to prevent begging and help those in poverty.