Samuel "Sam" Sharpe, or Sharp, National Hero of Jamaica (1801 - 23 May 1832), was the slave leader behind the widespread Jamaican Baptist War slave rebellion of 1831.Sam Sharpe became leader of the Christmas Abolition. Samuel Sharpe was born in the parish of St James. Although he was a slave most of his life, he was allowed to become well-educated. Because of his education, he was respected by other slaves, and he became a well-known preacher and leader.