Jonathan Backhouse (1779–1842)
Jonathan Backhouse | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1779-01-19 Darlington, England |
| Died | 1842-10-07 |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, Quaker minister |
| Known for | Financial support of the Stockton and Darlington Railway; participation in the 1840 World Anti-Slavery Convention |
Jonathan Backhouse (19 January 1779 – 7 October 1842) was a banker from Darlington representing the third generation of his family in the profession, recognized for his financial support of the Stockton to Darlington Railway. He was married to Hannah Chapman Backhouse, a Quaker minister.
Biography
Born to Jonathan Backhouse (1747–1826) and Ann Pease (1746–1826) of Darlington, Backhouse inherited the family banking enterprise, which evolved into Backhouse's Bank, following his father's passing. In 1811, he wed Hannah Chapman Gurney, who belonged to influential Quaker lineages.
Backhouse was instrumental in securing funding for the Stockton and Darlington Railway, successfully raising £125,000—comprising £20,000 from his personal resources and £80,000 through connections within Quaker banking circles. When opposition from the Earl of Darlington led to an attempt to bankrupt Backhouse's bank over the railway project, Backhouse acted swiftly by obtaining gold collateral in London. Despite an incident where his chaise lost a wheel en route, he returned promptly to safeguard the bank’s financial standing.
In 1833, he withdrew from banking to dedicate himself fully to his role as a Quaker minister. Accompanied by his wife, he journeyed to America where Hannah actively preached, particularly throughout southern regions where she encountered slavery firsthand. During this time, Backhouse made two returns to the United Kingdom. Hannah continued her ministry in Britain for approximately ten years after their return in 1835.
Backhouse was a prominent participant at the 1840 World Anti-Slavery Convention, which was organized by Joseph Sturge and the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. He is notably portrayed in the convention’s celebrated painting as a supporter standing beside the chair of speaker Thomas Clarkson.
Family
Jonathan and Hannah Chapman Backhouse had six children. Among them was their son Edmund Backhouse, who took over leadership of the banking firm and served as a Member of Parliament. Their grandson was Sir Jonathan Edmund Backhouse, 1st Baronet (1849–1918).