Quick Facts
LibraBiography
Samuel Holland (17 October 1803 – 27 December 1892) was a Welsh Liberal Party politician.
Upbringing
The son of Samuel, a Liverpool merchant, and Katherine Holland, he was born in Duke Street, Liverpool. He was educated in England and Germany and joined his father's company as an office boy.
Industrial career
At eighteen he was made manager of the Rhiwbryfdir quarry near Blaenau Ffestiniog - later part of the Oakeley quarry. Holland conceived the narrow-gauge Ffestiniog Railway from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog which carriedslates from his quarry to the harbour.
Politics
He was appointed High Sheriff of Merionethshire for 1862. He served as Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for Merioneth from 1870 to 1885.
Other activities
In 1875 Holland was active in setting up the Dr Williams School in Dolgellau. He became the first Chairman of the school's Board of Gevernors.
