NAME: William Wilberforce OCCUPATION: Philanthropist, Political Leader BIRTH DATE: August 24, 1759 EDUCATION: St.

John's College at the University of Cambridge PLACE OF BIRTH: Hull, England

1759 Born in Kingston-upon-Hull, Yorkshire 1768 His father dies; sent to live in Wimbledon with an aunt and uncle 1776 Studies at St. John's College, Cambridge (until 1780) 1780 Elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Hull 1784-85 Experiences a deep conversion 1784 Becomes MP for Yorkshire 1787 Helps found Society for the Reformation of Manners 1789 Introduces his first bill to abolish the slave trade 1796 A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians is published 1797 Marries Barbara Spooner 1804 Helps found the British and Foreign Bible Society and the Church Missionary Society 1807 British Parliament abolishes slave trade 1813 Helps convince Parliament to permit missionaries to India 1822 Helps form the Anti-Slavery Society 1823 Launches campaign for emancipation of slaves 1825 Retires from the House of Commons 1833 Emancipation Act is passed: all slaves in the British Dominions granted freedom; Wilberforce dies and is buried at Westminster Abbey