Robert
Francis Sampson
From:
Biographical Souvenir of the State of Texas, pub. 1889; p. 746
Robert Francis Sampson, the subject of this sketch, was the second son of James Walker Sampson, who was the second son of Rev. James Sampson, who was the first and only son of Michael Sampson, who came over from Ireland with his brother, Colonel William Sampson, about the middle of the eighteenth century. They were banished to America for participating in the great Emmet rebellion. Both were eminent lawyers. William settled in New York City, and Michael settled in Wilmington, North Carolina. Michael married Jane, the daughter of Colonel Frank Jones, of Spring Garden, New Hanover county, North Carolina, and upon the death of his uncle, Colonel James Sampson, came into possession of the old family site--Sampson Hall, Sampson county, North Carolina, where he resided the remainder of his life. He was the father of five children, four daughters and one son, James.
Rev. James Sampson was born at the old family home in Sampson county, North Carolina, A. D. 178908, was educated at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he graduated. He married the daughter of James W. Walker, of Wilmington, North Carolina, emigrated to Arkansas with his family in 1824, settling in Columbus, Sevier county, and in 1842 moved with his family to Texas, settling in Clarksville, Red River county. He was a successful teacher and an eminent divine, was pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Clarksville, a number of years. He died at Paris, Texas, at his son-in-law's, Dr. F. B. Gillium's, January 7, 1854, aged fifty-six years. He was the father of eleven children, eight girls and three boys---Michael William James Walker and Lewis.
James Walker Sampson was born in North Carolina, Sampson county, A. D. 1820. Was raised and educated at Columbus, Arkansas. Was a farmer and stock raiser. Married Elvira Flowers Sanderfer, A. D. 1840, the eldest daughter of Patrick Sanderfer, of Hampstead county, Arkansas, and in 1844, moved to Red River county, Texas. In 1845, moved to Fannin county, Texas. In 1847 moved to Hunt county, Texas, being one of its first settlers and pioneers. Fought the Indians and wild beasts of the forest and was a great hunter.
When Hunt county was cut off from old Fannin and made a separate county he assisted in its organization; helped to survey and locate its county town, Greenville; was one of its first citizens, and was honored by being elected its pursuits until the war broke out between the States, when he joined the Confederate forces in 1861. He was assassinated in Greenville by one William T. Thayer in 1863; was buried in the family burying-ground by the Masonic fraternity, of which he was an honored member. He was forty-three years of age at the time of his death.
Mrs. E. F. (Sanderfer) Sampson, his wife, died at her son's, William M. Sampson's home, in Hunt county, in 1884, and was buried at the side of her late husband, sleeping that long sleep that knows no waking. She was a consistent Christian and loving mother, beloved by all who knew her. Was a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and died at the age of sixty-five years.
Robert Francis Sampson was born December 4, 1845, in Fannin county, Texas. Was reared in Hunt county, Texas, educated at Greenville and was the second son of James Walker Sampson and Elvira F. Sampson. Has two brothers--James P. and Michael William; also two sisters--Maggie M. and Jane Eliza, all married and doing well. He began life for himself at the age of seventeen years in farming and stock raising, which business he continued in until 1864, when he joined the Confederate army and served until the close of the war. Honorably discharged at Waco, Texas, and, returning to his home in Hunt county he engaged in farming and various other pursuits. In 1877 sold out his different interest and moved with his family to Saint Jo, Montague county, Texas, and began merchandising; sold out in 1878 and re-entered the stock business. In the autumn of 1882 was elected magistrate, which office he has held since, making four terms or eight successive years in office, discharging the duties of his office to the satisfaction of the law-abiding people. Married Miss Lucy M. St. Clair, of Hunt county, Texas, August 23 1868. Is the father of three living children--Ernest, Eugene and William Emmet. Mr. Sampson is a member of the I.O.O.F, also a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist church.
