Constituency : Merioneth 1870-85
Samuel took over at Merioneth after the death of David Williams.
Samuel was born in Liverpool, the son of a slate merchant. His cousin was the writer Elizabeth Gaskell. He worked for his father as an office boy but by 18 was managing a quarry at Blaenau. He had the idea of a railway from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog. He founded book clubs, elementary schools and a Savings bank. He was also a sheep farmer.
In 1875 Samuel helped set up the Dr Williams School in Dolgellau and became the first chairman of the Board of Governors. He campaigned for a lighthouse for Cardigan Bay.
In 1880 Samuel joined the International Arbitration and Peace Association.
Despite still being in good health Samuel decided to retire in 1885 and was criticised by local radicals for working to secure the nomination of another moderate businessman Henry Robertson to succeed him.
He died in 1892 aged 89.
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