Henry Samson facts for kids
Henry Samson (born around 1603, died 1685) was a brave young man who sailed to America on the famous ship Mayflower in 1620. He traveled with the Edward Tilley family. Sadly, the Tilleys passed away during the first harsh winter in the new land. But Henry survived and lived a long, full life in Plymouth Colony.
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Henry Samson's Early Life in England
Henry Samson was born in Henlow, Bedford, England. He was baptized on January 15, 1604. His parents were James and Martha Samson. Martha was the sister of Ann Tilley, who was married to Edward Tilley. Henry was mentioned in his father's will in 1638 and received five pounds.
Moving to Leiden, Holland
Edward Tilley and his wife, Ann, moved to Leiden, Holland, shortly after they got married. Records from 1616 show that Edward was a weaver there. Many other English Separatists, who would later become Mayflower passengers, also lived in Leiden. It seems Edward's brother, John Tilley, was also in Leiden, along with Henry Samson, who was under Edward's care.
The Mayflower Journey
Henry Samson was about sixteen years old when he boarded the Mayflower. He traveled as a nephew of the Edward Tilley family. His young cousin, one-year-old Humility Cooper, was also with them. We don't know exactly why Henry was living with the Tilleys. He might have been learning a trade from his uncle Edward.
William Bradford, who later became the governor of Plymouth Colony, wrote about this family. He said: "Edward Tillie, and Ann, his wife; and *2* children that were their cossens, Henery Samson and Humility Coper."
The Mayflower was a small ship, about 100 feet long. It carried 102 passengers and a crew of about 30 to 40 people. Conditions on board were very crowded. After about two months at sea, strong storms hit the ship. The ship's wood shook badly, and water leaked in. Passengers were often wet and sick, even in their beds.
Poor food and unsanitary conditions made many people ill. Two people died on the way to America. But the worst was yet to come. After arriving, almost half of the passengers died during the cold, harsh New England winter.
On November 19, 1620, after about three months at sea, they finally saw land. This was Cape Cod Hook, now called Provincetown Harbor. They tried to sail south to their planned destination in Virginia. However, strong winter seas forced them back to Cape Cod. They anchored there on November 21. The Mayflower Compact, an important agreement for their new colony, was signed that same day.
Life in Plymouth Colony
After Edward and Ann Tilley died in the winter of 1620-1621, Henry Samson and Humility Cooper needed new homes. It's not clear which families took them in. However, records show Henry's name with the Edward Winslow family in 1623. His land was next to Humility Cooper's. In 1627, Henry was listed with the William Brewster family.
In 1626, Henry Samson joined a group called the "Purchasers." This was an investment group in Plymouth Colony. They worked with former members of a London company called "Merchant Adventurers." Henry was listed as "Henry Sampson" in their agreement.
Over the years, Henry Samson received many land grants. He became a "Freeman" before March 7, 1637. This meant he had full rights as a citizen of the colony.
Henry volunteered to fight in the Pequot War in 1637. But the war ended before Plymouth Colony could send its soldiers.
On January 1, 1638, Henry and his wife, Ann, were given land in Duxbury. It was next to land owned by Henry Howland. In April 1640, Henry received more land that had been common land.
Starting in the 1640s, Henry Samson began many years of public service. He served on six main juries between 1641 and 1663. He also served on twelve smaller juries between 1644 and 1670. In 1648, he helped settle disagreements as an arbiter. He worked as a surveyor in 1649 and 1661. In 1661, he was a constable for Duxbury.
Between 1638 and 1654, Henry and his wife had nine children. In 1665 and 1667, the Plymouth Court allowed him to find land for his children. After 1668, Henry and his wife sold some of their land. They also sold some properties in Dartmouth in 1682 and 1684. In 1669, he served on a jury that investigated a death.
Henry Samson's Family
Henry Samson married Anne Plummer on February 6, 1636, in Plymouth. Between about 1638 and 1654, they had nine children together.
Here are their children:
- Stephen was born around 1638. He married Elizabeth Sprague and had eight children.
- John was born in 1645. He married Sarah Pease in 1667 and had six children.
- Elizabeth was born around 1642. She married Robert Sprout and had eight children.
- James was born in 1637. He married Hannah Whitman and had seven children.
- Hannah was born in 1641. She married Josiah Holmes on March 20, 1666, and had six children.
- Sarah was born around 1648. She married John Hanmer and had four sons and three daughters.
- Mary was born in 1647. She married John Summers but had no children.
- Dorcas was born around 1652. She married Thomas Bonney and had three children.
- Caleb was born in 1656. He was buried at Myles Standish Burial Ground in Duxbury.
- He married Mercy Standish, who was a granddaughter of Mayflower passengers Myles Standish and John Alden. They had nine children.
- He later married Rebecca (Bartlett) (Bradford) Stanford in 1729.
Henry Samson's Will and Death
Henry Samson wrote his will on December 24, 1684. It was officially approved on March 5, 1685. In his will, he named his sons Stephen, John, James, and Caleb. He divided his remaining land in Dartmouth among Stephen, John, and James. He also left small amounts of money to his son Caleb and his daughters. These included Elizabeth (wife of Robert Sprout), Hannah (wife of Josias Holmes), Sarah (wife of John Hanmer), Mary (wife of John Summers), and Dorcas (wife of Thomas Bonney).
Henry Samson passed away on December 24, 1684, in Duxbury. His wife, Ann, had died sometime before him, between 1668 and 1684. Both Henry and Ann were buried in Cole's Hill Burial Ground in Plymouth, Plymouth Colony.
