Henry Israel Samuel was born on July 04, 1824 in Liverpool, Merseyside, and died on 7 May, 1896, while walking along Oxford Street in London. At the time he was residing at 10 Redcliffe Road, South Kensington, London. He was the son of Moses and Harriet (Israel) Samuel.
Henry married Rachel Schreiner Wolfe on 30 April,1850, in Salford, Lancashire, and their children were:
- Ernest Joseph Samuel who changed his name to Hill. He married Rebecca Brandina Bessie in July 1886;
- Albert Henry Samuel who married Fanny Dutch;
- Harriet who married Jacob ‘John’ Elkan;
- Eugenie who married Ralph Raphael;
- Marian who married Marcus David Loewenstark;
- Clara. She married i) Nathaniel Platnauer and ii) Harry Braham Jacobs;
- Ida Henrietta who married Herbert Tobias Scharrer;
- Blanche Violet who married Morris Millingen; and
- Maud who married Joseph Henry Raphael.
Henry and Rachel were divorced in 1881.
Liverpool Daily Post – Saturday 19 April 1856
JEWISH EMANCIPATION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY POST.
Sir, —This often discussed question is once more prominently before the public, and calculated to engross more attention than ever, gaining its additional importance through the present position of the Jews in Great Britain, popular feeling being favourable to their having the same right as others of a different denomination, and why not? Surely, it high time that England, who boasts of her civil and religious liberty, should extend to the scattered remains of a mighty nation the same advantages and privileges that other sects enjoy, illustrating a true doctrine of Christianity. How often hear do we the question — Why are the Jews not emancipated? Why is the Jew not in parliament? Is it on account of his religion? Is there special clause in the statute-book that prevents his admission, though elected by thousands of his Christian friends to watch over their interests? No. Then what is the reason? Is the Israelite less loyal or charitable than the Christian? In a court of justice, where the life of a fellow creature is concerned, is not the evidence of the Hebrew who swears on the five books of Moses, received? Yes! But, according to the present law, it is indispensably requisite, that, before a member is eligible vote any question, he must promise — what, to watch carefully over the welfare of his constituents? Oh no! To promise, on the faith of a Christian. Now, omit that line. Alter that oath so as to enable the conscientious Hebrew to take his seat in the House of Commons, and to swear that which is binding to his conscience, and the Church would be in danger. So say some of our wise statesmen. No matter how distinguished the position, or how high his qualifications; though he fill with dignity and credit the highest post you may select—aye, even let him be the honoured guest of royalty itself. But still admit one Jew into parliament, and he would unchristianise the whole house. The learned gentlemen should have gone one step farther, and said the whole country. Such their philosophy! How impressed must they be with the truths of their own religion, and the exalted opinion they must entertain of their own firmness, that they are actually fearful, poor things, lest they might be converted by a Rothschild’s eloquence into eating Passover cakes once a year and fasting on the day of Atonement. Poor weak humanity! There would be a predicament for the aristocracy, celebrated for their high church principles, who in parliament profess so much Christian piety, who would prevent by pretended sanctity the overworked and fatigued mechanic enjoying on the Sunday a little social recreation, which in his case is essentially necessary. May I ask how long will such a state of things be permitted to exist? How long shall the Jew be excluded from Parliament on such a flimsy and shallow pretext? We judge men by their talents and actions—most certainly not by their creed; that is a matter between a man and his Maker. The struggle we were lately engaged in was not carried on less vigorously because it was in behalf of these of an opposite faith; nor did we for one moment consider the religion of that power when threatened and assailed by the aggression of Russia; we extended to them the friendship and protection all may claim in a good cause, and very properly so. The unfortunate and heart-broken, whose spirit sinks at the recollections of past greatness and joy, finds in England a home, and her greatness is the result of the freedom of her institutions. And I sincerely hope the time is not far distant when, in this country there will be no religious distinction.—Apologising for this trespass, I am yours, etc. 128, St. James’-street. HENRY SAMUEL.
Liverpool Daily Post – Saturday 16 February 1861
POLICE COURT, YESTERDAY. (Before Mr. Raffles.)
A Quarrel among Brothers — Alfred and Walter Samuel, the latter of whom keeps a shop at 20, Paradise-street, were brought before the court, having been found fighting together on the previous night, in the street named. It was alleged by Alfred that, whilst he and his brother Henry were passing along Paradise-street, Walter came out of his shop, and, after calling him opprobrious names, struck him. Walter, on the other hand, alleged that his brothers came to his shop and called him foul names, and that Alfred struck him first with an umbrella, and then on the face. — After hearing the evidence, Mr. Raffles said: —You have both broken the law, I have no doubt, and I shall fine each of you ten shillings and costs.—The fines were paid.
Liverpool Mercury – Monday 18 February 1861
Mr. Henry Samuel, of 10, Paradise-street, was not one of the parties in the assault case reported in Saturday’s paper.
Liverpool Mercury – Thursday 25 April 1861
Robbery of Plate.—Yesterday, man who gave the name of John Davies was brought before the county magistrates on a charge of stealing plate from the house of Mr. R. Mason, the Shrubbery, Aigburth. From the evidence adduced it appeared that on Tuesday the prisoner, watching his opportunity, and seeing one about, contrived to get into the butler’s pantry at Mr. Mason’s home. Having secured two silver cups, some silver spoons, forks, &c., made his escape unobserved. Information was given to the county police, who took the necessary steps with a view to discover the thief. About two hours after the robbery, the prisoner offered some of the stolen plate for sale at the shop of Mr. Samuel, Paradise-street. The prisoner’s conduct having excited Mr. Samuel’s suspicion, he detained him until the assistance of a police officer could be procured, and he was then given into custody. During his detention in Mr. Samuel’s shop the prisoner became very violent, and it was with difficulty he could be prevented from making his escape. One of the silver cups being missing, the prisoner was remanded to allow time for inquiry respecting it.
Liverpool Daily Post – Wednesday 26 March 1862
Complimentary Dinner To Mr. Henry Samuel.
Last evening the friends of Mr. Henry Samuel, of Paradise-street, entertained that gentleman at a dinner at the Adelphi Hotel, previous to his departure for London, where he is about to reside. The dinner was served up in elegant style by Mr. Hartley, and was of a recherche character. The wines and the waiting were alike excellent. Captain Alexander Miller, the 63rd L.R.V., occupied the chair and amongst the gentlemen present we noticed, in addition to the guests of the evening, Messrs. J. Reis of Lord-street, John Hargreaves, John Wilson, Neill, Rogers, Brown. B. Samuel, Sears, Wignall, Jacob, Stevens, Thorley, Lieut. Joseph Hargreaves, of the 1st L.R.V.; Lieutenant Kirby, 6th L.A.V., etc. Dr. Galloway occupied the vice-chair and mostly discharged the duties of that office.
The entertainment was one of a most pleasing character and the fact of so many gentlemen of position attending to honour their fellow-townsman could not be other than gratifying to Mr. Samuel. After dessert had been placed on the table, The Chairman proposed “The health of the Queen”, feelingly alluding to the great bereavement which her Majesty had recently sustained in the death of the Consort – Albert the Good (hear, hear). No one would, he said, have thought that, to use the very forcible words of Harvey, so bright a sun would have gone down at noon (hear, hear); but both her Majesty and her sorrowing subjects were consoled knowing that the Great Disposer of all did nothing in vain (hear, hear).
He called upon them to drink in respectful silence to the health of their Queen. (The toast was drunk accordingly). The Chairman gave “The health of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, and the rest of the royal family” (loud cheers). The Vice-chairman said the next toast was that of “The Army, Navy, and Volunteers” (cheers). The Volunteers were a most important adjunct to the regular forces, and too much praise could not be bestowed on those gentlemen who, notwithstanding their other avocations, were, (to say nothing of the expense incurred) willing devote a great portion their leisure time to learning the duties of a soldier so that, if required, they might tender their services to their sovereign in defence of her realm (loud cheers). He begged to couple with the toast the name of their distinguished chairman, Captain Miller (renewed cheers). Miller, in responding, said he felt proud of belonging to such a force as the Volunteers; and though he had not had the honour of holding his commission long, he had always been one that force’s most sincere admirers (cheers).
The Chairman said the next toast he had the honour and privilege to propose would, he was sure, be received with that enthusiasm which could only be equalled by the profound respect and esteem for the gentleman who was the subject of it — Mr. Henry Samuel (applause). He, they were all aware, was about leaving Liverpool and going to the metropolis, where a man of his genius and ability had larger scope for enterprise, and where untiring energy and general probity seldom failed to secure for their possessors not only affluence, but a position in society and hosts of friends in a remarkably short period of time (loud applause). It was now, after the lapse of many years’ friendly intercourse, and with the most sincere regard for him and his family, and for their future prosperity, that they were met that evening, and had invited him to dine before parting, and reciprocate those friendly feelings which they had fostered for each other for so long, and cheer him on his way to fortune in the new locality where his integrity said business capabilities would be sought and appreciated (applause).
After expressing regret that the task had not fallen into abler hands, he said it was now 14 years since he had the honour and pleasure of forming the acquaintance of their guest, Mr. Henry Samuel, and he must ask his indulgence for saying in his presence that was then what he now was, a good-looking, warm-hearted, and well-disposed gentleman, endowed with those inestimable qualities with which honest Nature adorned her noblemen (applause). The circumstance which brought them together was a laudable one. He called upon him with respect to erecting a monument in memory of his parents, his mother in particular, and he felt sure there was no one present but would agree with him.
Whilst he spoke from his own experience, that he never yet met with a good man, possessed of those excellent qualities with respect to behaving well to his parents, and thinking well of them, that did not prosper through life (applause). The speaker then paid a high compliment to Mr. Samuel and his respected lady, expressing his sincere prayer—
When, soon or late, they leave this world.
Through life’s rough ocean driven
May they be found, no wanderer lost
A family in Heaven
(Applause).
He concluded by giving the toast, “Health and prosperity to Mr. Samuel and his Family.” (The toast was drunk with musical honours).
Mr. Henry Samuel (who was greeted with loud cheers) said—In rising to respond to the toast proposed by his friend, the chairman, in terms so feelingly and so eloquently expressed, he hoped they would permit him to say that he felt a degree of diffidence altogether unnatural to him, lest in his enthusiasm at being the recipient of so much kindness and cordiality he should fail in proving to them how deeply sensible he was to the honour conferred upon him, and how truly and sincerely he appreciated that flattering recognition to his humble merits. He felt greatly indebted to the chairman for his kind remarks, and the flattering notice he had taken of an event which, after a lapse of years, he had not thought would have been remembered—he alluded to the tribute of love paid by him to the memory of his mother. He feared the chairman had set too high an estimate on his good qualities, and he should indeed be satisfied if he deserved a portion the encomiums which he had passed on to him. That gentleman had placed his conduct before them in a most favourable aspect, and it was for them who knew him best to say whether they could conscientiously endorse what in the warmth of a generous nature had been given expression to.
During the fourteen years he been in Liverpool he had endeavoured to conduct his business on an honourable and a satisfactory basis, fearlessly and faithfully carrying out all the obligations the nature of that business imposed on him; and he had had derived an amount of satisfaction only experienced by these tradesmen who conducted their business on the same principle of sterling integrity (hear, hear.) After alluding to the true and unwavering friendship he had met with, he said, in taking leave of his most valued friends to whom was deeply attached, let him express a wish that their acquaintance, though interrupted, might not be severed; and they would believe him when he said that no matter what his own position in life might be, that in heart and soul he should be interested in whatever might tend to the advantage his native town and its inhabitants (cheers). He trusted that he might be as fortunate in securing the confidence of those with whom he might associate in the place he should make his future home as he had been here (hear, hear). There were reasons and circumstances in this life which indelibly impressed themselves on the memory, causing recollections of either grief or pleasure; and they might believe that the remembrance of that night’s proceedings, and the pleasing manner in which his connection with the town of his birth terminated, would ever be a subject of gratifying reflection, cheering him in the discharge of his duty and his journey through life; and when old age with its accompanying infirmaries, that entertainment would be prized by him as a pleasing and happy reminiscence (cheers). Again, in reiterating his thanks to them individually and collectively, he wished them all the prosperity a beneficent Creator could bestow, and might they be happy in their homes, happy in their hearts, and happy in possessing the esteem of their fellow-creatures (loud cheers).
The Vice-Chairman, having, in eulogistic terms, proposed “The Press,” and the toast having been duly honoured and responded to,
The Chairman proposed the health of the honorary secretary, Mr Reis, briefly alluding to the many excellent qualities of that gentleman (loud cheers). Mr Reis, in responding said, during the eleven years he had made this his adopted country, he had always tried to assimilate himself to its institutions, which he loved with his heart and soul, and to the manners and castes of the English people, whom he respected for their manliness and straightforwardness of purpose (cheers). But he could not get up to the standard of Englishmen in one respect, — he could not make one of those speeches which he so often heard at social gatherings, — festivities which combined the feast of reason and the flow of soul (laughter).
Amongst the other toasts proposed “The Chairman,” the “Vice- Vice-Chairman,” &c. A very agreeable social evening was spent.
Henry Samuel and family on the 1851 Census:
Henry Samuel and family on the 1861 Census:
Henry’s wife Rachel and two of their children on the 1871 census:
Jewish Chronicle – Friday 15 May 1896
Mr. HENRY SAMUEL, son of the late Moses Samuel, of Liverpool (author and translator of several polemical works) died suddenly on Saturday last. He was walking in Oxford Street when he fell, and before assistance reached him, he was found to be dead. The deceased was of a charitable disposition. and contributed to many charities. The funeral, which took place on Tuesday at Willesden Cemetery was largely attended by mourners including Sir Samuel Montagu, a cousin of the deceased.
London, Friday, May 15, 1896
Liverpool Weekly Courier – Saturday 16 March 1872
SHIPPING DISASTERS. There is reason to suppose that the ss. Ispahan has been wrecked, with all on hoard, off the French coast. A package of receiving notes, addressed to the Ispahan, as issued by James Brown and Sons. 23, Bridge-street, Glasgow: an oar, and a compass; also a dead body. supposed that of an Englishman, were found on the rocks near Camaret, a small port in Brittany eight miles south of Brest. A gold watch, marked “Henry Samuel, 10. Paradise-street. Liverpool. No. 2,000,” was found on the body. [Mem.: The Ispahan, as., from Bussorah, left Malta, Feb. 11, for Dunkirk.)