Samuel Fox (1781–1868) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Fox
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sketch of Fox by his housekeeper (Louisa Maria Woods)
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| Born | 24 November 1781 |
| Died | 6 August 1868 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | the first Adult School and founding the Nottingham Building Society |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah (2) |
| Children | no |
Samuel Fox (1781–1868) was a kind-hearted Quaker from Nottingham, England. He was known as a philanthropist, which means he loved to help people. Samuel Fox did many good things for his community. He helped people during a terrible sickness, provided food for those who were hungry, and even started the first free school for adults in Britain. He also helped create the Nottingham Building Society, a group that helped people save money and buy homes.
Samuel Fox's Life and Business
Samuel Fox was born on November 24, 1781. His father was a grocer, and Samuel followed in his footsteps, running his own grocery store. He was famous for treating everyone fairly. People told stories about him making sure everyone waited their turn, even if they thought they were very important!
Running a Fair Grocery Store
Fox's store had strict rules. For example, there were separate counters for men and women, with staff of the correct gender. The female staff even wore special uniforms, including lavender dresses and bonnets. This showed how organized and proper his business was.
Starting the Nottingham Building Society
In 1846, Samuel Fox helped start the Nottingham Building Society. This organization helped people save money and get loans to buy houses. It first moved into his grocery store in Nottingham's Market Square. Samuel Fox became the first chairman of the society.
He retired from this role in 1861 when he was 80 years old. By then, the society was open every day and had its own main office. Samuel Fox passed away seven years later, on August 6, 1868.
Samuel Fox's Good Deeds
Samuel Fox was a true philanthropist. He spent much of his life helping others in need.
Helping Adults Learn and Grow
Samuel Fox is famous for helping to start the first "adult school" in 1798. He worked with a Methodist named William Singleton. At first, the school taught young women who worked in local factories. Fox and his grocery store staff helped keep the school going. His staff were even expected to teach there!
School for Adults: How it Worked
Every Sunday, Fox provided breakfast for his staff after they had taught for two hours. The school soon welcomed men too. Samuel Fox was especially interested in helping adults get an education. Lessons often started with reading from the Bible. But the Bible was also used as a textbook to help students practice reading and writing.
In 1830, a woman named Louisa M Woods started a savings plan for the students. Fox himself taught advanced math classes three mornings a week. He even paid for some students to become teachers themselves! Later, in 1842, a politician named Joseph Sturge visited the school. He was so impressed that he started a similar school in Birmingham around 1845.
Helping During a Cholera Outbreak
In 1832, a serious sickness called cholera spread through Nottingham. A group called the Nottingham Board of Health was formed to help. Samuel Fox and Robert William Willson were important members of this group. About 300 people died during this outbreak.
A New Cemetery for the Community
Finding places to bury the dead was a big problem. One cemetery was full, and people living near another cemetery were afraid of getting sick if cholera victims were buried there. Samuel Fox stepped in and bought land for a new cemetery. Today, it's called St Mary's Rest Garden, but locals still know it as "Foxes Close."
The land was officially made a cemetery in 1835. However, at first, only members of the Church of England could be buried there. This was unfair to people like Fox and Willson, who were not part of that church. So, Fox and others asked the government to change the rules. It took a special law from Parliament, but eventually, the cemetery was divided. One part was for the Church of England, and another part was for everyone else.
Fighting Against Slavery
Samuel Fox was also a strong supporter of ending slavery. In 1840, he attended the week-long World Anti-Slavery Convention. This was a big meeting organized by Joseph Sturge from Birmingham. Important people from many countries, including America and Africa, came together to fight against slavery.
Samuel Fox was even one of the secretaries for the Nottingham Anti-Slavery Society. He worked hard to help make slavery illegal.
Helping During Times of Hunger
Nottingham faced food shortages, or famines, in 1847, 1848, and 1849. Once again, Samuel Fox stepped up to help. He managed to get maize flour, which most of his customers had never seen before. Fox then sold large amounts of this flour for less than he paid for it. This helped many hungry families get the food they needed.
