Wilberforce, William

William (1759-1833), an English anti-slavery leader. He was a native of Hull, Yorkshire, and was educated at Cambridge. In 1780 he was sent to Parliament by his native town. He became interested in the problem of suppressing slavery in the British colonies, Jamaica and elsewhere. Each year he brought the matter before Parliament. In 1807 a bill was passed forbidding the further introduction of slaves from Africa. This put an end to the British slave trade. Wilberforce lived to see slavery forbidden in every part of the world owning allegiance to the British flag. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. Wilberforce University at Xenia, Ohio, an institution for the education of colored people, was named in his honor. Two of his sons were clergymen of the Church of England. Samuel, a third son, rose to be Bishop of Winchester, a dignity which entitled him to a seat in the House of Lords. A readiness in debate and a plausible manner gained him the popular name of "Soapy Sam." See Slavery