There were at least two Francis Sampson's transported to the colonies and there was also a John Sampson in early Henrico (before 1678) whose wife was Mary Beauchamp. Her brother, John Beauchamp named John and Mary Sampson in his will. [8]
One was Francis, age 20, who was apprenticed in London 14 December 1685 to serve William Winter of VA for four years. [8]
On 26 October 1699 Thomas Bradley, of New Kent County, claimed a headright for the transportation of Fra. Sampson. [8]
Some researchers claim Francis Sampson
came with the Huguenot refugees. The first wave came in 1700 so this is
also possible. Among the leaders of the community was Peter Chastain, whose son
later sold land to William Sampson (who married Jane Fuqua, daughter of Anna
Sampson).The origins of this William Sampson has not been identified but he was
possibly related to Francis Sampson (close or distant?). A connection of
Francis in the Barbados Sampson family can't be ruled out. [8]
Of interest in the Huguenot possibility is that Francis Sampson / Francis Samson
is found in
The Huguenot's Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia
with Sarah Sampson & Stepthen Sampson being listed as 2nd generation and Edward
Maxey and Stephen Sampson being listed as 3rd generation. Sarah Sampson,
daughter of Francis Sampson and Bridgett _____ married John Marshall Maxey and
Stephen Sampson was the only son of Francis Sampson and Bridgett ____.
Francis Sampson may be a son of John
Sampson and Mary Beauchamp. NEED PROOF! This is based mainly on location of land. John
Beachamp and Mr. Richard Cocke Sr. (Richard of "Bremo") had a grant for the
transport of 60 persons part of which was in Henrico Co. on N. side of the James
River recorded 21 June 1664, adjoining lands belonging to Mr. Green and Richard
Cocke Sr. [Other Cocke families surrounded the area. Thomas Cocke Sr.
transported Gill. Fuckett (Fuqua), Joseph Fuqua's father about 1689]. William
Beauchamp, as heir of John, sold part of a tract to John Pleasants. Giles
Carter, a Fuqua relative by marriage, witnessed a deed next to lands taken up by
John Beauchamp and Richard Cocke Sr., dec'd, on 1 March 1708. John Pleasant, in
his will, gave part of a tract between John Woodson, Henry Rawlings and "myself"
to his son, John. The first mention of "Sampson's Slash" was in a description of
land in 1688 adjoining "Mr. John Pleasants, on the head of Barrow, crossing
Sampson's Slash...." [8] [9]
Francis Sampson was in Henrico Co. by 1718 when Ralph Hudspeth Jr.
(another Fuqua relative by marriage) had land on the N. side of James River at
Thomas Pleasants on Woolfpitt Branch and parting Pleasants and Francis Sampson.
(John Pleasant, mentioned above, who died about 1698 had a brother, Thomas, who
was named in his will). In 1825 Francis had 250 acres
of land on N. side of James River beginning at John Pleasants on Woolfpitt
Branch. (This John may have been a son of John Pleasant Sr. of his
brother, Thomas). The lands of John Beauchamp
and the lands of Francis Sampson appear to have been in close proximity.
Proving that John Sampson, who was the brother-in-law of John Beauchamp, was the
father of Francis is another matter. Land records of Goochland Co. show that
Ralph Fuqua, Francis Sampson, Richard Pleasants and Thomas Pleasants had land
adjoining Benjamin Cocke as late as March 1744/45. [8]
John Beauchamp deserted his land for reasons unknown and apparently went back to
England before his death. John Pleasants was the attorney for his executors.
[8]
A Mary Beaushampe was one of three persons
transported by John Chambers who was granted land in Northumberland Co. 1652 but
doubt this to be the Mary who married John Sampson. Several John Sampsons were
transported but it is not possible to identify which was the John of Henrico.
[8]
Some claim that the surname was Beasley but no
evidence has been found. Her granddaughter, Bridget Fuqua, married a Beasley.
[8]
Francoise Sampson (John 1 ), born about 1679, died before March 19, 1744 [1] [3] in Goochland County, VA. His father was John Sampson of England / Barbados? who married Mary Beauchamps or Elizabeth ______ . Francoise Sampson married Bridgett Beaslet? or Byrell? (born about 1673 in Curles, Henrico, VA) about 1694 in Curles, Henrico County, Va. His wife died circa 1757. [2]
Children
1. Stephen Sampson born about 1703 in Henrico County, VA; died about 1768 in Henrico County, VA.; married 1 Mary Woodson (daughter of Robert Woodson and Sarah Lewis) born: about 1695 in Henrico County, VA, on 16 AUG 1728 in Goochland County, VA. She died 1774 Goochland County, Virginia.2. Priscilla Sampson born about 1706 married William New born about 1698 in Henrico Co., VA
3. Anna Sampson born about 1700 in Charles City, Henrico County, Va., Virginia; died 1761; married about 1720 Joseph Fuqua born about 1690 in Charles City, Henrico, Virginia, died before September 22, 1788 Cumberland County, Virginia.
Children: 1) Jane (Jenny) Fuqua who married William Sampson
4. Sarah Sampson born about 1708 in Goochland Co., Virginia; married John Marshall Maxey born 1708 in Goochland Co., Virginia (the son of Edward Maxey, Jr. and Susannah Gates), in 1726 in Albermarle Co Virginia
Children: 1) Samson Maxey 2) Edward Maxey (sons mentioned in grandfather Edward Maxey's Will)
5. Judith Sampson, born about 1712, married Richard Crouch in Goochland County, Va.
Several family files have Judith Sampson as having married both Richard Crouch and John Woodall. If you look at the births of the children of Richard Crouch and John Woodall they were born concurrently, so there were at least two separate and distinct Judith Sampsons. One married Richard Crouch and the other married John Woodall.:
Richard Crouch born 173-----------------Sampson Woodall born 1731
Sarah Crouch born abt 1736--------------John Woodall born 1735
Martha Crouch bon 1738-----------------William Woodall born 1737
------------------------------------------ James B. Woodall born 1739
John Crouch born abt. 1740--------------Jacob Woodall born 1740
Stephen Crouch born abt. 1741-----------Elizabeth Woodall btwn 1715-1769
Judith Crouch born abt. 1742-------------David Woodall born 1742
-------------------------------------------Ann Madison Woodall born 1756The Wills for Francoise and Bridgett are listed below [1] & [2]. No Woodall has a bequest in Francoise Sampson's Will, but Bridgett Sampson's Will has a bequest to Sampson Woodall with no reference as to the relationship other than the same bequest line lists the husbands of Judith Sampsons daughters, but does not list the daughters. Is there a unidentified daughter of Francis and Bridgett (Beaslet) Sampson ? This needs to be researched.
[1] Will of Francoise Sampson:
"The Will of Francis Sampson, 1738: In the name of God Amen. This sixteenth day of January seventeen hundred thirty eight, I Francis Sampson of Goochland County, in Parish of St. James, being sick in body but of good and perfect memory, thanks be to Almighty God for it and calling to remembrance the uncertain estate of this transitory life, and that all flesh yield to death, when it shall please God to call. I do make constitute, ordain and declare this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form following revoking and annulling all and every Testament and Testaments, Will and Wills, hereafter by me made and declared either by work or writing and this is to be taken only for my last Will and Testament and none other."And first I give and commit my soul to Almighty God my Savior and Redeemer, who first gave it, and my body to the earth to be buried in such a place where it shall please my Executors hereafter named to appoint, and now for the settling of my Temporal Estate and such goods, chattles and debts as it hath pleased God to bestow upon me, I do order, give and bestow the same in manner and form following. Viz: "First I will that all those debts and dues as I owe in right or conscience shall be well and truly paid or ordained to be paid within convenient time after my decease by my Executors hereafter named.
"Item 1: I give and bequeath to my son Stephen Sampson one shilling
I give my daughter Priscilla New, one shilling
To my daughter Anna Fuquay one shilling.
To my daughter Sarah Maxey one shilling
To my daughter Judith Crouch one shilling
And the remaining part of my temporal estate to my well beloved wife, and I appoint and ordain my wife and my son Stephen Sampson to execute and fulfill this my last Will and Testament in manner and form above mentioned.
"In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and date above mentioned.
"Francis Sampson, SEAL
"Signed and Sealed and Delivered"
Joseph Fuquay, his X mark
Nicolas Barbosa, his X mark
Benjamin B. Strange, his X mark
"At a court held for Goochland County, Va. March 19, 1744. This writing was proved by the Oaths of Benjamin Strange and Joseph Fuqua to be the last Will and Testament of Francis Sampson, deceased and it was thereupon admitted to record".
DEED BOOK 4 Page 499 March 19, 1744 (Will of Francis Sampson)
[2] Will of Bridgett Sampson:
"I Bridgett Sampson of the County of Goochland, being ill in body but sound in mind and memory, do make my last Will and Testament in manner following: Imprimis:
I give and bequeath unto Richard Crouch, one bed and furniture, his choice of the two unused by me, two dishes, three plates, and three basins, to him and his heirs forever.Item: I give and bequeath unto Judith Sampson , daughter of Stephen Sampson, one dish, one box, iron and heaters, and one small trunk to her and her heirs forever.
Item: 1. I give unto John Maxey, one shilling sterling. 2. Item: I give unto Joseph Fuqua, one shilling sterling, 3. Item: I give unto William New, one shilling sterling, 4. Item: I give unto Sampson Woodall, one shilling sterling, which four legacies I design shall be instead of their proportion of my estate.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Son Stephen Sampson all the remainder part of my estate whether real or personal to him and his heirs forever.
Item: I constitute and appoint my son Stephen Sampson whole and sole executor of this my last Will and Testament revoking all other Wills heretofore by me made. Sealed with my Seal and dated this 3rd day of March 1757.
"Bridgett Sampson, SEAL, her mark
Signed, sealed, published and declared in presence of Stokes McCall, Milner
Redford, Samuel Smith Sampson.
"At a court held for Goochland County, Virginia, May the 17th 1757, this writing was proved by the Witnesses hereto to be the Last Will and Testament of Bridgett Sampson deceased and thereupon admitted to record."
From Goochland County, Virginia Deed Book 7 (1755-1759) page 159
June 20, 1757
An Inventory of the Estate of Bridgett Sampson, deceased:
6 head of cattle @ = 4 pounds 5 shillings2 barrels @ 3 shillings 1 pad loch @ 1shilling = 4 shillings
1 feather bed and furniture @ 2 pounds 18 shillings
1 frying pan @ 3 pounds 6 shillings, 1 box iron @ 4 pounds 6 shillings = 8 pounds
1 cross table @ 2 pounds 6 shillings, 2 iron wedges @ 3 pounds = 6 pounds 6 shillings
a parcel of old iron @ 2 pounds 6 shillings, 2 iron pots @ 10 pounds = 12 pounds 6 shillings
a parcel of old lumber @ 4 pounds
a passel of luter(?) @ 1 pound 5 shillings
1 scarch @ 1 pound, 1 jugg 2 quart bottles @ 2 pounds = 3 pounds
1 small trunk @ 2 pounds 6 shillings, 1 chest @ 4 pounds = 6 pounds 6 shillings
1 feather bed and furniture @ 7 pounds 10 shillings 6 pence
using cloaths 7 pounds 10 shillings 6 pence
1 bed and furniture not appraised
2 dishes, 3 plates, 3 basins not appraised
Appraisal by Richard Pleasants and Thomas Pleasants
At a court for Goochland County June 21, 1757 William Rea. This Inventory was presented in Court and ordered to be recorded.
Teste: Val Woodall Cur.
[3] The Samson Line, taken from "Kith and Kin" by Mrs. John Russell Sampson:
The first Sampson of whom we have sure knowledge was a Huguenot. In 1700 the "poore french," as they are so often described in Virginia Parish Books, began coming to Virginia from England, where they had taken refuge after the Revocation (Oct. 22, 1685), and the terrible persecution following.
King William bestowed 10,000 acres for their settlement. In December 1700, the House of Burgesses decreed them a separate "parrish" at "Manakin Towne above the Falls of James River" (the falls which makes Richmond's prosperity). They also exempted them from all taxes for seven years. In the Huguenot Parish Book, published by the Virginia Historical Society fropm gathered fragments much mutilated, there is found only one Samson - "April 16, 1728, Ann Tammas baptized by Mr. Nairn, minister of Varaine, had Godfather Guillaume Samson, Godmother Olive Salle and Briget - Manakin Towne, King Wm. Parrish."
Soon after Francois was settle in Goodchland, he was appointed caretaker of the Parish Church, St. James Northam. It was not long, however, before he rose to the Vestry and for four generations the Sampsons were Vestrymen and Church Wardens.
But already, three years before his baptism, Francoise Samson had patented land March 24, 1725, just across the James from Manakin Towne, in what was later Goodchland County. In his will, probated March 19, 1744, he names Brigitte his wife, Stephen (Etienne) his 'only son" and four daughters: Priscilla, Mrs. New with a son William; Anna, Mrs. Fuqua (Fouquet), a son Joseph; Sarah, Mrs. Maxey, a son John; Judith, Mrs. Crouch, a son Richard. When Brigitte comes to write her will, probated May 17, 1757, she anglicises and gives herself as Bridget Sampson.
[4] Henrico Co., VA 1725 - Land purchased in Henrico County, Virginia (present-day Goochland County) where he purchased 250 acres of "new" land on Buffalo Branch and Wolf Pitt Branch of Beaverdam Creek on the North side of the James River.
[5] Goochland Co., VA Courthouse Court Land Indenture: Francis Sampson, 15 Jan 1738, transfers 250 acres of land to his only son, Stephen Sampson, for the "natural love & affection". The record does not give a detailed land description, and just refers to the 250 acres of a patent granted to Francis Sampson dated 24 March, 1725.
[6] Deed Record located at Goochland Co., VA, Courthouse: Several Sampson heirs of a Richard Sampson sold land in Goochland Co to a Wm Miller in Jan, 1814. There were 12 heirs signing, including another Richard Sampson, Richard (Jr). The heirs sold this land to Wm Miller, who was the Goochland Co Clerk, for $1870.83. The deed states that one-half acre of the land was reserved forever as a family burying ground, and further states "it being the same parcel of land which was granted by patent bearing the date of March, 1725 to Francis Sampson and by which the said Francis deeded to his only son, Stephen Sampson, who willed the same to his sons, Stephen Sampson & Samuel Sampson, who had deeded the same to Richard Sampson, who lately lived & died on the same land. Evidence from deed records indicates that Francis Sampson is buried in Goochland Co., VA (Walker Cemetery, also known as Dover or Boscobel Cemetery).
[7] Louisa County, VA. - Relationship Records as recorded by Janice L. Abercrombie on Louisa County GenWeb website.
Name Date Reference Relation Related To Sampson, Judith 1747 G DB 4 p. 499 daughter Sampson, Stephen Sampson, Stephen 1747 G DB 4 p. 499 father Sampson, Judith Samson, Francis
1738 G DB 4 p. 499
father Crouch, Judith
Samson, Francis
1738 G DB 4 p. 499
father Samson, Stephen
Samson, Francis
1738 G DB 4 p. 499
father New, Priscilla
Samson, Francis
1738 G DB 4 p. 499
father Fuquay, Anna
Samson, Francis
1738 G DB 4 p. 499
father Maxey, Sarah
[8] Shirley Hern 2006 email outling her research: shirley.hern(at)sbcglobal.net
[9] Lineages, Inc. ( Lineages.com )(Paul Reed certified genealogist) circa 1982 as part of a research project for Joe Crouch, the webmaster for this site.
Francis Sampson is located in the court
records of both Goochland and Henrico Counties. He seems to have led a curiously
questionable life. He is mentioned several times in a suit brought against him
concerning the promise of labor he had made to Thomas East. He had committed
himself to supplying 100 planks (of wood) to Mr. East, but never fulfilled his
obligation. He was represented several times by his lawyer, who later also ended
up suing Francis Sampson for lack of payment. He was also listed in the court
records as being drunk and “swearing 6 oaths” in public.
Francis Sampson
died by 1745, his estate being valued at 30 pounds. His “well beloved wife” and
children were apparently all in good standing with each other. It appears that
Francis Sampson weathered the storms we all encounter and ended his life
happily.
Only one other Sampson/Samson family was found in Henrico court
records. John and Mary Beauchamp Sampson were listed some
twenty to twenty-five years before Francis Sampson. They may be Francis’s
parents. They are mentioned in records sent from the Lord Mayor of London and
were recopied in the court records of Henrico County. The record was sent by the
request of William Beauchamp, Salter, of London, and Abell Beauchamp, Gentleman,
of the city of Worcestor, Worcestershire, England. Abell Beauchamp appears to be
brother of Mary Sampson. John Beauchamp of St. Giles Cripplegate, London left
his estate to be equally divided between Richard Beauchamp, Mary Sampson the
wife of John Sampson, and Abell Beauchamp, Gentleman. William Beauchamp may have
been an executor.
If you are a descendant of the Goochland County, Virginia Crouch's, have information different, or in addition to what's shown above please feel free to contact Joe Crouch who maintains this site.