Samuel Staniforth (26 February 1769 – 5 April 1851) was an English slave-trader, merchant and politician originally from Liverpool.

He was born on Union Street, Liverpool on 26 February 1769 and was educated at Clitheroe School under Thomas Wilson.

On 28 April 1800 he married Mary Littledale at St. Thomas' Church, Liverpool.

[2] Records show that both Staniforth and his father Thomas, took part in the trading of many African slaves between Europe and the United States.

Sarah and Frederick had a number of children including politician John Greenwood and Sarah Hannah Greenwood who married John Benson Sidgwick and are notable for employing Charlotte Brontë at Swarcliffe Hall.