The Sampson Family: Plymouth Records regarding Henry Sampson
from the Pilgrim Hall Museum materials, early plymouth records:
Henry Sampson: Mayflower passenger
"The names of those which came over first, in the year 1620, and were by the blessing of God the first beginners and in a sort the foundation of all the Plantations and Colonies in New England; and their families ...
"Edward Tilley and Ann his wife, and two children that were their cousins, Henry Sampson and Humility Cooper."
William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647, ed. Samuel Eliot Morison (New York: Knopf, 1991), p. 442.
Henry Sampson & the 1623 Division of Land
The 1623 Division of Land marked the end of the Pilgrims' earliest system of land held in common by all. Governor Bradford explains it in this way
"And so assigned to every family a parcel of land, according to the proportion of their number, for that end, only for present use (but made no division for inheritance) and ranged all boys and youth under some family. This had very good success, for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been by any means the Governor or any other could use, and saved him a great deal of trouble, and gave far better content. The women now went willingly into the field, and took their little ones with them to set corn; which before would allege weakness and inability; whom to have compelled would have been thought great tyranny and oppression."
William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647, ed. Samuel Eliot Morison (New York: Knopf, 1991), p. 75-6.
Plymouth Colony Records, Deeds, &c., Vol. I 1627-1651 is the oldest record book of the Plymouth settlement. It begins with the 1623 Division of Land, recorded in the handwriting of Governor William Bradford. The lands of "Henerie Samson" were among those designated as "their grounds which came first over in the May Floure, according as thier lotes were case" and described in this way "these lye one the north side of the towne nexte adjoyning to their gardens which came in the Fortune."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 12, p. 5
Henry Sampson: A 1626 "Purchaser"
In 1621, King James I authorized the Council for New England to plant and govern land in this area. This Council granted the Peirce Patent, confirming the Pilgrims' settlement and governance of Plymouth. Peirce and his associates, the merchant adventurers, were allotted 100 acres for each settler the Company transported. The Pilgrims had a contract with the Company stating all land and profits would accrue to the Company for 7 years at which time the assets would be divided among the shareholders. Most of the Pilgrims held some stock. The Pilgrims negotiated a more favorable contract with the Company in 1626. In 1627, 53 Plymouth freemen, known as "The Purchasers," agreed to buy out the Company over a period of years. Henry Sampson was among them (Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 177).
Henry Sampson & the 1627 Division of Cattle
Plymouth Colony Records, Deeds, &c., Vol I 1627-1651 also tells of the 1627 Division of Cattle: "At a publique court held the 22th of May it was concluded by the whole Companie, that the cattell wch were the Companies, to wit, the Cowes & the Goates should be equally devided to all the psonts of the same company ... & so the lotts fell as followeth, thirteene psonts being pportioned to one lot ...
"The fift lot fell to Mr Willm Brewster & his companie Joyned to him (2) Loue Brewster (3) Wrestling Brewster (4) Richard More (5) Henri Samson (6) Johnathan Brewster (7) Lucrecia Brewster (8) Willm Brewster (9) Mary Brewster (10) Thomas Prince (11) Pacience Prince (12) Rebecka Prince (13) Humillyty Cooper
"To this lot ffell one of the fower Heyfers Came in the Jacob Caled the Blind Heyfer & 2 shee goats."
Henry Sampson in the Records of Plymouth Colony
25 June 1631: "ffrans Eaton of Plymouth abovesd hath sold unto Edw: Wynslow of the same four acres of land lying in the north field between the lands of Capt Myles Standish on the South side & one acre due unto Henry Sampson on the North for & in Considercio of the second Cow calfe shall fall unto the said Edw: after the date of this pr'st viz't the 25 of June 1631..."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 12, p. 16.
6 February 1635/6: "Henry Samson and Anne Plummer was maryed the 6 of Feb." Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 1, p. 36.
7 March 1636/7: "At a Genall Court holden at New Plymouth, for the whole Govrment, the viith Day of March, 1636, in the xiith Yeare of the Raigne of our Sovraigne Lord, Charles, by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France, & Ireland, King, Defendor of the Fayth, &c.
"The Names of the Freeman...
Henry Sampson."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 1, p. 52-53.
7 June 1637: "It is concluded and enacted by the Court, that the colony of New Plymouth shall send forth ayd to assist them of Massachusetts Bay and Connectacutt in their warrs against the Pequin Indians, in reveng of the innocent blood of the English wch the sd Pequins have barbarously shed, and refuse to give satisfaccion for...
"The Names of the Souldiers that willingly offer themselves to goe upon the sd Service, wth Mr Prince & the Leiftent.
Voluntaries...
Henry Sampson."
NOTE: The Pequot War was concluded before Plymouth's troops were ready, Plymouth did not participate in the war after all.
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 1, p. 60-61.
1 January 1637/8: "At a Court of Assistants held the first Day of January, 1637...
"The overplus on the south side of the lands besides Henry Howlands three shares is graunted unto Henry Sampson to belong to his lott."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 1, p. 72.
6 January 1639/40: "Memorand That Mr Edward Winslow for and in considercion of the summe of one hudnred pounds sterl to be payd by Georg Bower in manner & form following That is to say tenn pounds the first of ffebruary next fourty pounds the first of January wch shalbe in the yeare of
our Lord God one thousand six hundred fourty one and thother fourty pounds the first of January in the yeare of our Lord G. one thousand six hundred fourty and two Hath freely and absolutely bargained and sould unto the said Georg Bower his heires and Assignes All that his barne and stable scituate in Plym together wth the two pcells of lands lying at the North and South ends of the said Barne and Stable wth liberty of ingresse egresse & regresse in the fould yard for his cattell to come & goe to the said barne & stable as occation shall serve and liberty to lay donge in the said fould yard And seaven acrees of enclosed lands lying on the North side of the said towne of Plym betwixt the garden place and the lands of Mr Willm Bradford on the north & south sides thereof together wth the land belonging to the said seaven acrees not enclosed And also nine acrees of --- lying on the north side of the said Towne of Plym on eich side the first brooke (viz) the most northerly of the two acrees wch the said Edward Winslow purchased of Captaine Standish and foure acrees purchased of ffrancis Eaton adjoyneing therunto & one acree adjoyneing purchased of Henry Sampson...
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 12, p. 52.
6 April 1640: "Henry Sampson is graunted the common lying at the head of his lott, and to be layd forth for him by Mr Collyer, Jonathan Brewster, & Willm Bassett, pvided that a heigh way be left for cattell to passe to and fro to the common."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 1, p. 144.
2 November 1640: "These sevall psons following are graunted these quantities of land following, at the North River, wth meddow to yt: ...
"To Henry Sampson fifty acres, wth some meddow to yt."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 1, p. 165.
5 January 1640/1: "Memorand: that John Cooke, for good consideracion, hath, wth & by the consent of Phillip Davis, assigned & set over the residue of the terme of Yeares wch the said Phillip Davis is to serve the said John Cooke, unto Henry Sampson, to be served out wth the said Henry Sampson, the said Henry Sampson paying the said Phillip Davis thirteene bushells of Indian corne in thend of the said terme. His indenture beares date the xxth of Aprill, 1638, & is to serve for eleaven yeares & two months from the first day of his arrivall in New England. Taken before Capt Standish."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 6.
3 May 1641: "At the Genall Court of or Sovraigne Lord the Kinge, held at Plym aforesd, the first Day of June...
The Grand Enquest... sworne... Henry Sampson."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 15-16.
1643: "Freemen of Duxborrow...Henry Sampson." Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 8, p. 174-5 and p. 187-88.
8 June 1643: "Memorand That Abraham Pearse doth acknowledg that for & in consideracion of the summ of seaven pounds sterl to him in hand payd by John Winslow for the use of Thomas King of Scittuate Plant Hath freely and absolutely bargained and sould unto the said John Winslow for the use of the said Thomas King his heires and Assignes All those his fourty acres of upland wth the meddowing thereunto belonging lying on the South side of the North River and betwixt the lands of Joseph Tilden on the East side and the lands of Henry Sampson on the West side..."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 12, p. 95.
5 November 1644: [Among other cases heard] "Arthur Howland complns against Robte Mendame, in an action of trespas upon the case, to the dam of vi [pounds], by attac'nt of a cow in the hands of Willm Hiller. The jury fynd for the pltiff vi [pounds] dam, and charges of the suite. Judgment & execucion graunted upon the cowe, pvided it shalbe lawfull for the said Robte Mendame to bring about the suite againe at any tyme w'thin one whole yeare & a day if he please...
"The Juries Names. Mr. John Doane, Thom Cushman Natha'l Morton, Willm Hoskine, Gabirell Fallowell, John Finney, Manasseth Kempton, Christopher Waddesworth, John Tisdale, Henry Sampson, John Washborne, John Willis, sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 38.
4 June 1645: [Among other cases heard] "Roger Cooke and Willm Lathame compns agst John Barker, and Ann, his wyfe, in an action of trespas upon the case, to the dm of xx [pounds], for the said Anns burneing of their house accedentally; but the jury could not give in a verdict, and the matter was ended, and the said John was content to give the plntiffs xx [shillings] towards their losses.
"The Juries Names. James Hurst, Richard Sparrow, Josuah Pratt, Robte Bartlett, John Finney, Thom Cushman, Anthony Snow, Nathaniell Morton, John Rogers, Willm Merick, Henry Sampson, Love Brewster, sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 41.
7 July 1646: [Among other cases heard] "Tobias Taylor complns against John Shawe, Junr, in an action of trespas upon the case, to the dm of 50 [pounds]. The jury could not agree upon their verdict, and therefore it was referred unto the arbitracion of Mr Willm Hanbury & John Lewes for the deffent, and Mr John Alden and Thomas Clarke for the plaintiff, and if they cannot end it, then these foure to choose a fift man unto them, and as any three or more of them agree, so to stand. "The Jurys Names. James Hurst, Josuah Pratt, John Finney, Edmond Tilson, Robte Finney, Henry Howland, Samuell Nash, Richard Sparrow, Willm Hoskins, Thomas Pope, Henry Sampson, Robte Wickson, sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 42.
26 October 1647: "Mr Hathrley here in Court acknowledgeth that Helene, the wife of Kanelme Winslow, acknowledged her free assent and consent to ye sale of all such lands as her said husband had sould unto Samuell Sturdevant. Capt Miles Standish acknowledged likewise, yt she, the same Helene, acknowledged her free assent & consent to ye sale of all such lands as her said husband had sould to Henry Sampson."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 118-119.
27 October 1647: Memorand: that Ephraim Tinkeham and mary his wife Doth acknowledge that for and in consideracon of the sum of seven pounds in hand paid by Henry Sampson of Duxborough, hath freely and absolutely bargained and solde unto Henry Sampson aforesaid all that Third pte of that Lott wch was formly the land of Peter Browne Deceased, dwelling house and buildings in and upon the same wth all and singular the apprtences thereunto belonging (except the third pte of the whole meadow) the said third of the upland lying and being nexte adoiyning unto the land of the said Henry Sampson in Duxborough aforemenconed, and all his right title & interest of and into the said Third pte of upland & prmisses and evy pte and pcell thereof. To have and to holde all that third pte of allotm't of upland housings and all and singular the apprtences thereunto belonging (except before excepted) unto the said Henry Sampson his heires and Assignes for ever to the only pp use and behoofe of him the said Henry Sampson his heires & Asss for ever pvided the said Ephraim tinkham is doth reserve to his owne use all the fruitetrees and librty to remove them in convenient time, as also use of all the housing for this
winter."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 12, p. 146.
2 May 1648: "Whereas differences are between Captaine Miles Standish and Samuell Eaton, about the bounds of thayer lands, the Court have appoynted yt Mr Alldin, John Washburn, Senior, Henery Sampson, and Phillip Delanoy shall viue and set at rights sutch differences as are between them"
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 122.
4 October 1648: "Wheras differences have been betwest Love Brewster and Samuell Eaton about the bounds of theire lands, the Court hath ordered and doe requeste Mr Alldin, Henery Sampson, and Phillipe Delanoy to range out thayer lands betweste them, beginning at the lower end, and make report therof to the Court how they find it."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 135-6.
6 June 1649: "This Court, John Shaw, Juni, and Steven Bryant, weer prsented for profanation of the Lords day; they likwise trauised theire prsentments, & weer found guilty & sentenced, as on the other side this leafe is spesified.
"The jurys names yt tried these prsentments were these folowing:...
Henery Sampson."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 140.
7 June 1649: [Among other cases heard] "Edward Tart, of Seteaate, complaineth against Walter Briges, in an action of slander and defamation, to the damage of an hundred poudn.
"The jury find for the plaintife twenty shills damage, and the charges of the sute...
"The names of the jury that went on these traills weer these foloing: _ Josiah Winslow, James Hust, Henery Cob, Barnard Lumbert, John Fennery, Joshua Prat, Georg Lewes, Phillip Delanoy, Experience Michell, Henery Howland, Henery Sampson, Josias Cooke. sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 45-6.
29 October 1649: "The Court have ordered Mr Alden, Phillip Delanoy, & Henery Sampson to measure Samuell Eatons land at the uper end, & to make report therof unto the Court." Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 1, p. 147.
4 June 1650: "The Grand Inquest... Henery Sampson, sworne." Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 155.
10 June 1650: "According to our order, wee have found out and marked a new way from Joaneses River to the Massachusetts Path through John Rogers his ground, and are all agreed the said way by us marked out to bee most convenient and least prejuditiall.
Wittnes our hands heere under written.
John Howland, Francis Cooke, Joshua Pratt, John Wood, Samuell Sturtivant, Henery Howland, Tho: Heward, Seni, John Washburne, Seni, Henery Sampson, Gorg: Partridge, Tho: Lettis, William Paybody, All sworne.
"This jury was impanelled according to an order extant in the fifte page bakward of this book." Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 160.
2 October 1650: "Wee whose names are heer under written, being the grand inquest, doe present to this Court John Hazaell, Mr Edward Smith and his wife, Obadia Holmes, Josepth Tory and his wife, and the wife of James Man, William Devell and his waife, of the towne of Rehoboth, for the continewing of a meeting uppon the Lords day from house to house, contrary to the order
of this Court enacted June the 12th 1650.
Tho: Rovenson, Henery Sampson, John Crocker, Henery Howland, John Tisdall, Robert Sharp, Ephraim Kempton, Tho: Cooper, Tho: Burman, Edward Jenkens, Robert Wixon, Tho: Falland, Andrew Ring, Gorg Butt.
"Wee present James Cole, of the towne of Plym, for making of a batterie uppon William Shirtley, of the aforsaid towne.
"Likwise wee present Tho Shereve, of the towne of Plym, for pilfering corn in Richard Sparrows barne, of the aforsaid towne.
"Further, wee present Richard Sparrow, of the towne of Plym, for concealling of the aforsaid acte of Tho Shereve, uppon an ingagement so to doe unlesse called before authoritie.
"Wee prsent the bridge uppon Joanes River for being defective and very dangerus for cattell to goe over.
"Wee present the townes of Plym, Duxburrow, Marshfeild, & Nawset for want of sufficient pounds. Tho: Robenson, Henery Sampson, John Croker, Henery Howland, John Tisdall, Robert Sharpe, Ephraim Kemton, Tho: Cooper, Tho: Burman, Edward Jenkins, Robert Wixon, Tho: Falland, Andrew Ringe, Gorge Buitt, Gyels Rickett, Steven Wood, Tho: Chillingsworth, Jacob Cooke." Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 2, p. 162-3.
7 October 1651: [Among other cases heard] "Mr John Holmes complained against Josepth Warren, in an action of battery, to the damage of five pound. The jury found for the plaintife the cost of the suit, and damage ten groates...
"The Juryes Names. Mr. Anthony Thacher, Mr Tho Dester, Senior, Gyles Rickard, Seni, Richard Bourne, Robert Feney, Tho Burgis, Mr Tho Gilvert, Leiuetenant Nash, William Paybody, Henery Howland, Henery Sampson, Nathaniell Bacon. sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 56.
7 July 1652: [Among other cases heard] "John Willis, of Duxburow, complaineth in the behalfe of his daughter in law, Rebeckah Palmer, against Trustrum Hull and his wife, in an action of assault and battery, to the damage of fifty pounds.
"The defendants appeered not; soe the triall went not on.
"The Juryes Names. Mr. John Winslow, James Hurst, Joshua Pratt, Leiutenant Southworth, Gyles Gickard, John Morton, Robert Finney, Ephraim Morton, William Paybody, Richard Wright, Henery Sampson, Andrew Ringe. sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 58.
5 October 1652: [Among other cases heard] "John Hoare complaineth against Thomas Ensigne, in an action of the case, to the dammage of fifty pounds, for not giving the said John Hoare due possession of a pcell of land bought of the said Thomas Ensigne, as doth app0eer by covenants. "The jury find for the defendant, and assesse thirty shillings dammage, and the charges of the Court.
[Note: "This mistake was rectifyed in open Court with the consent of som of the jury."]
"Judgment was graunted to the defendant, according to the verdicte, and two shilllings and six pence was allowed to attorney for the defendant, which was expended in the defence of the case. "The juryes names that tried these actions were. - Mr John Winslow, Masasses Kemton, Leiftenant Southworth, Gyles Rickard, John Morton, William Merricke, Samuell Hickes, Gorg Partrich, Edward Tilson, Henery Sampson, Joshua Pratt, John Wood. sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 62.
27 October 1652: "That Nathaniell Masterson above mencioned doth acknowlidge that for such consideracon as wherwith hee is satisfyed hee hath freely and absolutely made over unto John Wood of Plymouth senior; all his Right hee hath in the one halfe of all the mersh meddow hee
hath att goose point neare plym: aforesaid; which said mersh the said Nathaniell bought of his fatherinlaw Mr Smith To have and to hold the said one halfe of the said marsh and all the appurtenances belonging therunto unto the onely pper use of the said John Wood his heires and assignes for ever to belonge unto the onely pper use and behoofe of him the said John Wood his heires and assignes for ever;
"The Range betweene the Lands of Samuell Eaton and Widow Brewster by agreement of both pties Runeth North west and by west; and south east and by East the line being Run by
John Alden
Phillip Delanoy
and henery Sampson"
Mayflower Descendant, Vol. 1, p. 136.
7 March 1653/4: [Among other cases heard] "Thomas Chambers complaineth against John Hoar, in an action of the case, to the dammage of five pound, for detaining of rent due unto the said Thomas Chambers, for marsh land the said John rented of the said Thomas Chambers.
"The jury find for the plaintife, and give him two pound and ten shillings, and the charges of the Court, besides the 13 [shillings] received.
"Eighteen pence allowed to Mr Tilden, as witness att this suite.
"Judgment graunted, according to the verdict...
"The Juries Names. Christopher Waddsworth, William Paybody, Robert Bartlett, Phillip Delanoy, Mr John Starr, Ephraim Morton, Henery Sampson, William Hoskins, Gorge Partrich, Henery Wood, Steven Bryant, Andrew Ringe. sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 69-70.
4 October 1655: [Money owed by the Treasurer of Plymouth Colony] "contra creditt as appeers by his bills, August, 1654...
Henery Sampson for hors hier... 01 [pounds]: 15 [shillings]: 00 [pence]."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 3, p. 94.
4 October 1655: [Among other cases heard] "John Palmer complained against Humphry Johnson, in an action of the case, to the dammage of twenty pound, for killing and detaining swine that were the said Palmers. The jury find for the plaintife thirty shillings dammage, and the charge of the suite, which comes to, -
"It, 3 witnesses, 3 daies... 13 [shillings]: 06 [pence]; William Randall and his wife... 01 [shillings]: 06 [pence]; Richard Silvester, halfe a day... 00 [shillings]: 09 [pence]; The jury, clarke, & marshall ... 09 [shillings]: 00 [pence}. Judgment was graunted, according to the verdicte...
"The Juryes Names that tried the abovesaid four Actions. John Dunham, Senir, Mr John Starr, John Tisdall, Hennery Sampson, John Morton, William Harlow, Richard Wright, Samuell Hickes, Ephraim Morton, Jacob Cooke, John Rogers, Thomas Doged. sworne...
"Wheras, att the Generall Court holden att Plymouth the sixt of June, 1655, the grand enquest prsented Susanna, the wife of Robert Latham, for being in a great measure guilty with her said husband in exerciseing crewelty towards theire late servant, John Walker, in not affoarding him convenient food, rayment, and lodging, especially in her husbands asence, in forcing him to carry a logg beyond his strength, the said Susanna having putt the said psentment upon traverse, to bee tried this Court, the jury find this prsentment a true psentment.
"The Jury Names. John Dunham, Senir, Mr John Starr, John Tisdall, Henery Sampson, William Harlow, Jacob Cooke, Richard Wright, Samuell Hickes, John Rogers, Thomas Doged, John Winge, Edward Sturgis. sworne...
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 74-5.
1658: [List of freemen] "Duxburrow... Henery Sampson."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 8, p. 197-8.
1 March 1658/9: "William Paybody, William Hoskins, Henery Sampson, Gorge Partrich, and Stephen Bryant are alowed by the Court each of them 4 s[hillings], according to theire demaund, for theire charges of attendance att this Court, being subpenaed by Humphrey Johnson, to give testimony in the busines of Mr Josepth Tilden."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 91.
7 June 1659: [The names of ] "The Grand Enquest.
"sworne, Mr Thomas Dexter, Senir, Mr William Lumpkin, Mr William Hedge, Richard Sparrow, Walter Briggs, Henery Wood, Abs, Henery Sampson, Jonathan Dunham..."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 3, p. 162.
And again on 1 June, 1663 as appears in Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 4, p. 37.
1660 re the Purchasers of Dartmouth: "Att a generall meeting of the Purchasers att Plymouth the seaventh of march 1652 It was ordered and fully agreed unto and Concluded by the whole that all that Tract and tracts of lands lying from the Purchassers bounds on the west side of Acougheasse to a river called Accusshaneck and three miles to the Aastwards of the same; with all Ilands meddows woods waters rivers creekes and all appurtenances therunto belonging should bee given to those whose names are heerunder written Containing thirty four shares and was then given alloted Assigned and sett over to them by the whole to have and to hold to them and their heires and Assignes for ever; to Devide and Dispose of the same as they should see good; and they are to Satisfy the Indians for the Purchase therof and to beare all other Due Charges that shall any way arise about the same According to their severall proportions ... henery Sampson [et al.]
"Wheras these Purchasers whoe by agreement of the whole had theire proportions of Purchase land falling unto them in the places above mencioned whoe by agreement had theire severall names entered into a list (together with some other old Comers) under the hand of the honored Gov'r: late Deceased they Did Desire that the list of theire Names might bee recorded; but the above written originall list of Names and the agreement Could not bee found in some yeares; soe that it was Judged lost These purchasers notwithstanding still Desiring that what was theire right might bee recorded; wherupon order was given by the aforsaid Gov'r that it might be Done ...
The names of those whoe by order of the Purchasers mett att Plymouth the seaventh Day of march 1652 whoe by Joynt consent and agreement of the said purchasers are to have theire prtes shares or proportions att the place or places commonly called and knowne by the names of Acushena alias acquessent which entereth in att the westeren end of Neckatay and to Coaksett alias acoakius and places adjacent... The said Tract or tract[s] of Land soe bounded as abovesaid which is purchased of the Indians which were the right propriators therof; as appeers by a Deed under theire hands with all the mershes meddows rivers waters woods Timbers; and all other profitts privilidges emunities comodities and appurtenances belonging to the said Tract or Tracts above expressed or any prte or prcell therof to belonge unto the prties whose names are underwritten (whoe are in number thirty four whole prtes or shares and noe more) to them and their heires and assignes for ever ...
henery Sampson one whole share." Mayflower Descendants, Vol. 4, p. 165-188.
4 June 1661: "The Constables of the severall Townes. "Plymouth... William Harlow,."Duxburrow... Henery Sampson."Scittuate... Mattyas Briggs, Rodulphus Elmes... Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 3, p. 215.
3 October 1662: "Mr John Done, John Smalley, and Jonathan Sparrow to bee considered with those whoe are graunted accommodation of land on the northerly bounds of Taunton. "Experience Michill, Mr Allexander Standish, Henery Sampson, Samuell Fuller, and Thomas Cushman, Junir, are nominated to bee considered in the aforsaid lands, if it bee there to bee had when those are supplyed to whom the graunt is made, if it bee there to bee had; and if not there, in some other place, if it may bee found."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 4, p. 27.
3 March 1662/3: "Richard Church and John Tompson complained against Capt Thomas Willett, in an action of the case, to the damage of twenty four pounds, for non pforming an agreement, according to covenants, about the meeting house att Plymouth.
"Find for the defendant the cost of the suite...
"The names of the jury that tried the action betwixt Richard Church and John Tompson, plaintiffes, and Capt Willett, defendant, are as followeth: - John Bourne, Gorge Soule, James Walker, Barnabas Laythorp, Josepth Beedle, Henery Sampson, Benjamine Nye, Resolved White, Francis Crocker, John Whiston, Stephen Winge, John Wadsworth. sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 105-108.
8 June 1664: "The Court gives libertie to Josias Cooke, Leiftenant Josepth Rogers, Gyles Hopkins, Henery Sampson, and Experience Michell to looke out a pcell of land lying betwist Bridgwater and the Bay line for theire accommodation."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 4, p. 67.
7 June 1665: "The Names of those that have Lands graunted unto them by the Court, viz., the Land which is purchased on the westerly Side of Namasskett River, which is to bee equally devided amongst them, nd being soe devided, is conceived it will amount unto thirty Acrees a Share of good Land, as also Commoning adjoyning therunto proportionale.
Imprmes, to the towne of Plymouth for a minnester, one share. To Namasskett, for a minnester, ... one share.
To the Elder Cushman, for his children, ... one share.
To Henery Sampson for his children, ... one share..." Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 4, p. 94.
15 November 1665: "A Record of the lands graunted to several persons lying on the west side of Namassakett River; soe much of the said graunt, as was layed out and bounded on the 15th day of November Anno dom. 1665...
"Henery Sampsom 19 Lott bounded att the foot with an heap of stones and att the head with a Red oake marked"
Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs, Indian deeds: land transactions in Plymouth Colony, 1620-1691 (Boston: NEHGS, 2002), p. 347-8.
5 June 1667: "Receivers of the Excise in each Towne. "Plymouth ... Benejah Pratt.
"Duxburrow... Henery Sampson"
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 4, p. 150.
And again on 3 June 1668 according to Plymouth Colony Records Vol. 4, p. 183.
2 July 1667: "Libertie is graunted unto Henery Sampson to looke out land to accommodate his children."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 4, p. 160.
29 October 1668: "Wheras a former graunt hath bine made by the Court unto Experience Michell, Henery Sampson, Richard Church, and Thomas Little; to looke out for land for theire accommodation, and that since the said graunt they have sought out a pcell of land for that end lying att Namassakett Pond, these are to be a memorandum that none shall interpose soe as to deprive them of the said land untill the Court have taken course for the purchase of it, and settleing such a proportion therof to the said psons as shalbe by the Court thought meet." Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 5, p. 5.
25 October 1668: [Among other cases] " Mr Josias Winslow, Senir, of Marshfeild, complaineth against Mr Kanelme Winslow, his brother, of the same towne, in an action of the case, to the damage of an hundred and five pounds, for that the said Kanelme continueth to molest him, the said Josias, in his just right, in reference to a psell of meddow, in the said towne, lying between the upland of the said Kanelme and a psell of land commonly called Saddlers Point, notwithstanding all amicable meanes used by the said Josias to prevent. The jury find for the defendant.
"A review of this action was graunted to the said Josias Winslow.
"The Names of the Jury. William Paybody, Benjamine Bartlett, Mr Allexander Standish, Henery Sampson, Isacke Chettenden, Gilbert Brookes, Moses Simmons, Phillip Delano, Ensigne Aldin, John Sprague, Benjamine Church, Samuell Hunt. sworne."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 150.
1 June 1669: "Accommodation of land graunted unto Thomas Paine, to have it att Namassakett, with Experience Michell, Henery Sampson, and Thomas Little, if it be there to be had; if not, that hee may have some elswhere if hee can find it undesposed of.
"This was in reference unto a former graunt to looke out for land."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 5, p. 20.
5 July 1669: "In answare unto the petitionof Mr Thomas Cushman for accommodation of land, the Court have graunted that hee shalbe accommodated att or neare Namassakett, where Henery Sampson, Experience Michell, and Thomas Littles graunts are, if it be there to be had; if not, elswhere within this jurisdiction, if it can be found."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 5, p. 25.
7 July 1669: "Prence Govr
"To all people To whom thee presents shall Come Wee Tuspaquin allies Blacke Sachem and William the son of the said Tuspaquin Indian Sachems sendeth Greeting;
"Know yea that wee Tuspaquin allies blacke Sachem and William the son of that said Tuspaquin for and in Consideration of the sume of ten pounds sterling To us in hand payed by Experience Mitchel Henery Sampson of Duxburrow and Thomas Little of Marshfeild and Thomas Paine of Eastham wherwith wee doe acknowlidge ourselves Joyntly and severally payed and fully satisfyed and therof and of every parte and persell therof; doe acquitt exownarate and discharge; The aforesaid Experience Mitchell Henery Sampson Thomas Little and Thomas Paine theire and every of theire heires exequitors and adminnestrators and every of them for ever have bargained and sold allianted enfeofed and Confeirmed; and by thee prsents doe bargaine allianate sell enfeofe and Confeirme from us the aforsaid Tuspaquine and William; and our heires unto the aforsaid Experience Mitchell Henery Sampson Thomas Little and Thomas Paine theire heires and assignes for ever all that our Tract or persell of land that lyeth on the Westward syde of a Tract of land purchased by Mr. John Aldin and others; from the Sachem Josias Wampatucke which Lyeth neare Assowampsett ponds; which aforsaid Tract now sold by these presents is one halfe mile in breadth and is in Length from the aforesaid ponds to Dartmouth Path where the said path Croseth
the westwardsyde line of the aforsaid land of Mr Aldin and others; and from the said Dartmouth path into the woods the said Land purchased by these presents is to extend in length one mile and one halfe mile The aforsaid halfe mile in breadth is to be measured according to the square; according to the westward syde line of the aforsaid Mr Aldins Land; with all and singulare the appurtenances and privilidges therunto belongeing; and all our Right title and Interest offe and into the aforsaid premises; and every parte and persell therof; To have and to hold all this our said Tract or persell of Land being one halfe Mile in breadth and in length one Mile and an halfe mile from the said Dartmouth path into the woods and from the said path to extend home to the aforsaid pond; which pond is to be the bounds of one end of the said Land; with all and singulare the appurtenances and privilidges therunto belongeing and all our Right title and Interest of and into the aforsaid premises and every parte and persell therof; unto the aforsaid Experience Mitchell Henery Sampson Thomas Little and Thomas Paine theire heires and assignes for ever with warrantice against all people whatsoever for and by these presents to Claime any Right title or Interest of or into the aforsaid premises with theire appurtenaces or any parte or persell therof; and wee the said Tuspaquin allies Blacke Sachem and William doe by these presents Authorise the said Experience Mitchell Henery Sampson Thomas Little and Thomas Paine; either by themselves of theire Attorney to record and enrowle these presents or Cause them to be Recorded and enrowled; before the Govr of New Plymouth or some one of his Assistants for the time being according to the usuall Manor of Recording and Inrowling of deeds and evidences in the Kinges Ma'ties Court of New Plymouth aforsaid; In witnes wherof wee the aforsaid Tuspaquin and William have heerunto sett to our hands and seales this seaventh day of July; one thousand six hundred sixty and nine
"The marke of Tuspaquin his seale
The marke of William his seale
"Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of
William Nicarson William Crow
The marke of Samuell Henery the Indian
The mark of daniell the Indian
The mark of old Harry the Indian
This deed was acknowlidged the 7th of July 1669 before mee John Aldin Assistant" Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs, Indian deeds: land transactions in Plymouth Colony, 1620-1691 (Boston: NEHGS, 2002), p. 408-10
8 December 1669: "Wee, whose names are underwritten, being impannelled by Mr John Alden on the corronors enquest, to make enquiry how John Paybody came by his death, doe find, - "That hee ryding on the road, his horse carryed him underneath the bow of a young tree, and violently forceing his head unto the body therof, brake his skull, which wee doe judge was the cause of his death.
"sworne, Samuell Saberry, John Tracye, Henery Sampson, John Sprague, Rodulphus Thacher, John Washburne, John Wadsworth, Benjamine Bartlett, William Clarke, Joseph Prior, Samuell Hunt, Joseph Wadsworth."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 5, p. 29.
29 May 1670: "An exact List of all the Names of the Freeman of the Jurisdiction of New Plymouth...
"Duxburrow... Henery Sampson."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 5, p. 274-5.
29 October 1670: [Among other cases] "Mr John Gorum, of Barnstable, complained against Encrease Clapp, of Barnstable, in an action of the case, to the damage of ten pound, for causing him, the said Gorum, to send his boate to Hingham for a boate load of barke containing ten coard;
the said barke being altogether unfitt for his use, and nott according to the agreement hee made with the said Clapp.
"The jury find for the defendant the cost of the suite...
"The names of the juryes that tried these actions are as followeth: John Tompson, John Richmond, Samuell Edson, Thomas Linkolne, James Clarke, Jacob Cooke, Job Crocker, John Cobb, of Taunton, Abraham Jackson, Samuell Dunham, Henery Sampson, John Soule. sworne. "In some of the actions tried att this Court, Samuell Dunham, Henery Sampson, and John Soule were excepted against, and in theire stead there was William Witherell, John Hatheway, and Jabeze Howland were put in theire stead, and did serve."
Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 7, p. 160-163.
6 July 1671: "These presents doth witnes that wheras Edward Gray above specifyed was Intrusted in the behalfe of the Court of Plymouth aforsaid to purchase the land of the Indians as within expressed; hee the said Edward Gray hath fully freely and absolutely Resigned and Surrendered up the deed within and above written; unto the Court of New Plymouth; and by these presents doth surrender up all his Right title and Interest of and Into the meddow lands; within specifyed (excepting that which is beneath excepted) with all and singulare the appurtenances therunto belonging; To have and to hold unto the said Court of New Plymouth to them and theire successors for ever; from him the said Edward Gray and his heires unto them the said Court and theire Successors and assignes for ever; In witnes wherof I the said Edward Gray have heerunto sett myhand this sixt day of July Anno: Dom: one thousand six hundred and seaventy one 1671. This deed within and above written was made over as above expressed in the Court held att Plymouth the sixt of July 1671 Testa me Nathaniel Morton Secretary
"Memorandum. That when Edward Gray made Surrender unto the court of the Lands within mensioned It was by the said Edward Gray and those to whom the Court past over the said meddows acknowlidged, that the meddow heerin mensioned to be sold unto Edward Gray' lying on the other syde; Viz: on the Northersyde of Taunton path; was formerly sold unto the Gov'r Major Winslow and the Rest of the propriators, of Pachague; and is to be Reputed theires any thing in this deed expressed Notwithstanding; July the six 1671 Testa me Nathaniel Morton Secretary
"These presents doe witnes that the Court of New Plymouth doth heerby Surrender up all theire Right title and Interest they have of and Into the within specifyed deed (excepting that which is above excepted) unto Henery Sampson Experience Michell Thomas Little and Thomas Paine, unto them and theire heires and assignes for ever; To have and to hold the said deed of sale of Meddow Land within and above mensioned with all and singulare the appurtneances belonging therunto (excepting that which in the Memorandum above is excepted;) To appertaine and belonge unto the onely proper use and behoofe of them the said Henery Sampson Experience Michell Thomas Little and Thomas Paine to them and theire heires and Assignes for ever
"This was done and Confeirmed in and by the Court held att Plymouth the sixt of July 1671 Testa me Nathaniel Morton Secretary"
Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs, Indian deeds: land transactions in Plymouth Colony, 1620-1691 (Boston: NEHGS, 2002), p. 424-5
26 March 1682: "Whereas, the town of Duxborrow did formerly grant unto Henry Samson, of Duxborrow, a small parcel of land near Robinsons creek, in Duxborrow, and the record of the said parcel being burnt with the Clerks house, the said land should be again recorded in the towns books. The bounds of said parcel of land are as followeth, viz. Westwardly it is bounded with the meadow of Robert Barker, northwardly by the land of Robert Sprout, of Scituate, southwardly, with the land formerly granted to George Russell's children, and so runs half a mile in length towards the south eastward, from the above said meadow at Robinsons creek or brook."
by me,
William Pabodie, Clark."
Copy of the old records of the town of Duxbury, Mass. from 1642 to 1770. Plymouth: Avery & Doten, 1893. p. 36.
17 June 1684: "The town of Duxburrow have granted unto John Russel of the said town, twenty acres of land lying at a place commonly called Robinson's creek, bounded Northerly or towards the North East, with the land granted unto Henry Samson, to the west or north west, partly the meadow of Robert Darker, and partly with the two acres of meadow granted by the town of Duxborrow unto the said John Russel, Southerly or towards the South west, with the land that Josiah Holmes exchanged with the town of Duxborrow which was formerly the land which was given unto Mr. John Holmes, and the said twenty acres of land is by the town grant to extend half a mile in length towards the south east together with one acre of meadow, bounded on the North, or towards the North East, with the meadow of Robert Sprout, to the East, or inclining to South East with the upland granted to Henry Sampson, to the south west, with the land of said Samson, and to the West, or inclining to the North west, with the land of the afore said Henry Samson of Duxborrow.
Recorded by m
Rhodolphus Thacher, Clerk."
Copy of the old records of the town of Duxbury, Mass. from 1642 to 1770. Plymouth: Avery & Doten, 1893. p. 46.
Ann Plummer Sampson
In the will of John Barnes of Plymouth, written March 16, 1668, John Barnes refers to Ann as his cousin:
"I doe bequeath to my Dozen ye wife of henery Samso. forty shillings out of my Estate to be pay'd Beffore division of my Estate."
Mayflower Descendant, Vol. 4, p. 99.
Henry Sampson: 1650
"And seeing it hath pleased Him to give me [William Bradford] to see thirty years completed since these beginnings, and that the great works of His providence are to be observed, I have thought it not unworthy my pains to take a view of the decreasings and increasings of these persons and such changes as hath passed over them and theirs in this thirty years ...
"Edward Tilley and his wife both died soon after their arrival, and the girl Humility, their cousin, was sent for into England and died there. But the youth Henry Sampson is still living and is married and hath seven children."
William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647, ed.
Samuel Eliot Morison (New York: Knopf, 1991), p. 76.
Henry Sampson: his death
"Henry Samson died, 24, Decem: 1684"
Duxbury (Massachusetts) Vital Records
Note: this is an "old style" date. According to the modern calendar, his date of death would be January 3, 1685.