"Sampson Family History" - presented by Rocky Sampson, for the Salt Spring Historical Society, in 2002, at Central Hall. Rocky's grainy, black and white photos, light up the screen as he shows us the genealogy of the many branches of his family tree, which includes local First Nations as well as Sampson and McFadden pioneers. The family dates back to the 1850s, when European men married into the families of aboriginal women of Salt Spring Island. Rocky has wealth of memories, research and stories of Kuper Island First Nations, as well as European pioneers who farmed in the Fernwood area of Salt Spring’s north-end.
Henry Sampson, was born on Christmas Day in 1830, son of James Sampson and Lydia Richards. Henry was raised and lived between Orpington and St. Mary Cray, Kent, England. Henry Sampson arrived in BC on board the Norman Morison (a Hudson Bay Company Barkentine). He made his home in BC and settled on Salt Spring Island from 1859 to his death in 1919.
At the start of the video, Mary Davidson and Peggy Tolson, the founders of the Salt Spring Archives, are honoured for their work and dedication in establishing the Archives in 1989. Many more archival photos of the Sampson family and information about Salt Spring Island History, may be viewed at the Salt Spring Archives: saltspringarchives.com/
With gratitude to the Salt Spring Historical Society for organizing the event and to Rocky Sampson and his family for sharing their life and times. And reminding us of the importance of history, community and family. Courtesy of the video archives of Peter Prince, a Salt Spring filmmaker and musician: peterprince.ca/ Please subscribe the Salt Spring Video Channel - Thank you!