J. W. Sampson

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

J. W. Sampson

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

The loss by death of any member of a community is to be deeply deplored, and this is more particularly the case with a man of the standing of the late J. W. SAMPSON, of Dover, Morris county, New Jersey, whose example as a good and devoted citizen might well be emulated by all. While not a native of this country, he had identified himself closely with all matters concerning its welfare.

Mr. SAMPSON was born in Cornwall, England, November 5, 1842, and died in Dover, New Jersey, February 28, 1912. He was the son of Robert SAMPSON, a butcher, who never left his native country, England. J. W. SAMPSON came to this country when twenty-seven years old in 1869, in the spring of the year, and at once proceeded to Dover. There he found employment with Mr. Pierce, who owned and personally conducted the leading butcher store in the town, and with him learned, thoroughly and practically, the methods in vogue in this line of business in this country. He remained with Mr. Pierce until he established himself in business independently, a record alike creditable to employed and employer. Mr. SAMPSON opened his first store in Sussex street, later purchasing property for this purpose opposite his first location, and subsequently made one other change in the location of his business. At the time of his death he was the oldest butcher living in Dover, but he had retired from active participation in business in 1907. While he gave his consistent support to the Republican party, he never had any aspirations for public office. He was a member and generous contributor to Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. SAMPSON was one of the first fire wardens of Dover, and at death was a member of Exempt Firemen.

Mr. SAMPSON married Lucy, born in Millbrook, New Jersey, a daughter of George BLANCHARD, and a descendent of one of the oldest families in the county. Mr. BLANCHARD was a mason in his earlier years, and later engaged in the contracting business. Mr. and Mrs. SAMPSON had one son: John W., who is the owner of a butcher store at King and Elm streets, Dover, and who married (first) Jennie COOMAN, and had one child, George; he married (second) Eliza TILLOTSON, and has, John and William.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)