Roberts , Samuel , 1763-1848 , writer on social issues

Samuel Roberts was born in Sheffield in 1763. He began work in his family's silverware factory aged 14. From the age of 27 he wrote extensively on social issues such as poverty, gambling and crime, initially in local newspapers and later also in pamphlets and books. He always considered writing secondary to his successful business career and through choice never made a profit from it. His opposition to slavery and child labour brought him into contact with Willliam Wilberforce, who became a close friend.