By Irma Walter, 2020.
A Foolish Crime
Berkeley is a small market town 30 kms north of Bristol in Gloucestershire and is famous for its 11th century Berkeley Castle, where Edward II was murdered in 1327. At the time of the 1851 census there were 949 inhabitants.[1]
In 1855 the people of Berkeley were shocked to hear that their local doctor John Sampson had been arrested for passing forged bank notes. There were three charges against him of uttering counterfeit £5 bank notes, and another charge involving a £10 note. Following his arrest, more of the fraudulent bank notes were found upon his person. The case attracted much interest, as it involved a man of high standing in the community, a doctor with an extensive medical practice.
John Sampson’s behaviour leading up to his conviction displayed extreme naivety. Evidence was given at the Gloucester Winter Assizes that he had gone to the Railway Station to pick up an envelope, which he immediately opened and took out some notes, declaring to by-standers that the contents were ‘a God-send’. A few days later when a similar package arrived, Sampson used the excuse of having it sent by rail rather than by the regular postal service, because it contained payment for a betting win from a bookmaker in Birmingham, and he didn’t want his wife to know about it. He paid a number of debts with the notes, but the forgeries were either detected by the recipients or later when presented at the local Bank.[2]
The source of the money was unknown, as the said bookmaker could not be traced. References were given to the court of Sampson’s previous good character. One came from the Rev. Henry Vining Gill, a Dissenting Minister from Milford, in Hants (Milford-on-the-Sea, Hampshire), who deposed that he had charge of the defendant’s education from the age of seven and had been in touch with him ever since. Another reference came from the Rev. Mr Fisher, Curate of Berkeley.[3]
The jury reached their decision within ten minutes – guilty on all charges. Prior to passing sentence, the Judge told the prisoner that he had committed a very serious offence, which a few years earlier would have ended on the scaffold. The law had since been mitigated, but since it was necessary to protect the safety of the community, it was necessary to administer the severe punishment of fifteen years’ transportation. It was reported that on hearing the sentence the prisoner seemed quite overwhelmed.[4]
John Sampson’s origins have been difficult to trace. He was born around 1820 and his father’s name was Richard Sampson.[5] His first wife’s name was Maria Warne, born c1830.[6] Their marriage probably took place in a Non-conformist Baptist Chapel. From evidence given during his trial by Rev. Henry Vining Gill, John Sampson was brought up and educated in the Dissenting Church of England, probably in Milford-on-the-Sea in Hampshire. [In the 1861 Census Henry Vining Gill of Milford, aged 60, was described as a Baptist Minister.]
To Western Australia
John Sampson was transported to Western Australia onboard the Clara (its 1st voyage), leaving London on 19 March 1857 and arriving in Fremantle on 3 July. He was described as aged 39, a surgeon, married with no children, 5’5” tall, with light brown hair, hazel eyes, an oval face, fair complexion, was middling stout, bald, with a cut on his right forefinger. [The convict records are contradictory on the matter of whether John had a child or not. We do know, however, that when his wife Maria came to join him in Western Australia, she brought no children with her.]
Surgeon-Superintendent Caldwell onboard the Clara gave Sampson a good character reference – ‘Protestant, married with one child (?). Superior reading / writing skills. Behaviour in solitary confinement good, on public works very good and on voyage, excellent. He was received from Portland Prison.’
After his arrival in Fremantle Sampson appears to have received sympathetic treatment from the various doctors who saw him around this time. Another health report prepared when he was in the Fremantle Prison Hospital also gives us some details of where he was incarcerated prior to coming to WA:
Samson, John – Was in good health on embarkation. After he had been on board 14 days, had an attack of bronchitis – and has suffered from it more or less since. This man now labouring under severe(?) symptoms. State of Digestion – Bad. Nature of Evacuation – Unnatural. Respiratory organs seriously diseased (Rest of this is indecipherable).
At Millbank – 6 months – on the whole good, but seems to be very constipated, as he received cod liver oil. Had also slight attack of fever.
At Portland – 7 months – Health improved there.[7]
Was discharged from hospital and re-joined his Division on 17 July 1857.[8]
More details were added after his arrival – ‘Respectable. Has suffered from Delirium Tremens and Piles, but is now in good health.’ Signed by T. Hicks, Medical Officer (no date).
21/8/57 – Bunbury. 1/9/57 – Appointed as Constable. On ticket-of-leave 12 October 1857.[9]
John Sampson was sent to the Bunbury Depot in 1857. Bunbury had been without a doctor since Dr Prattendon Brydges left there in 1854 to take up a position in Albany, so Sampson’s arrival was met with relief by the local inhabitants.
Marshall Waller Clifton of Australind first recorded John Sampson’s name in his journal on 3 September 1857, describing him as a Probationary Surgeon. He noted that the doctor had come up to the house and ‘prescribed for Mamma, Ellen, Mary & Louisa’. Four days later Sampson returned and ‘prescribed all round’. Clifton appeared eager to obtain the services of Sampson on a permanent basis for the district and communicated with Henry Duval, the Deputy Superintendent at the Convict Depot, requesting that Sampson should be granted his ticket-of-leave and enter Clifton’s employ. He was disappointed when Duval refused to comply with his request.[10] However Dr Sampson continued to treat Louisa as a patient, although Clifton didn’t receive confirmation of the man’s ticket-of-leave until 2 October 1857.[11]
From that time, Dr Sampson’s name was frequently mentioned in the Clifton journals, treating various family members whenever called upon, in between doing his rounds, covering many miles on horseback to visit patients far and wide.
Sampson was a keen musician. He was on good terms with the Cliftons when they lent him a piano, which Louisa took down to him on the cart on 26 August 1858.[12] Sampson tuned a piano for them on 24 March 1859.[13] On 30 May 1860 Clifton sent a present of roasting pig by his cart to Dr Sampson and an ex-convict store-keeper in Bunbury, Henry Gillman.[14]
However Clifton had words with Sampson on several occasions, recording a couple of times that he ‘told him my mind’. Once Clifton wrote him a letter barring him from setting foot in his house, after Sampson had visited Ellen on 25 August 1860 in a drunken state.[15] Their good relationship was soon restored, perhaps out of necessity, as Clifton’s own health rapidly deteriorated.
John Sampson was one of those convicts who was given permission to bring his wife Maria (née Warne) out to Australia. She arrived at Fremantle on the barque Travancore on 10 August 1859 and proceeded down to Bunbury the same day on the Wild Wave.[16] By this time her husband John was well-established as the resident doctor. He had also entered into a partnership with George Rich on a farming property at Dardanup. It is not known whether the Sampsons were living on the property when in February 1860 a burning-off fire got out of control, destroying their crops and hay.[17]
Maria Sampson fitted well into the local community, attending the Congregational Chapel in Bunbury with her husband, who had taken over the role of accompanying the hymn singing on the harmonium. Maria played an active role in fund-raising for the Chapel.[18]
Their relationship with the Cliftons appeared to be mostly harmonious, with the Sampsons visiting them on a couple of occasions. From early January 1861 Clifton recorded his own poor health, complaining on 2 April that his ‘old Attack’ was back and that Sampson had treated him with leeches.[19] Sampson was kept busy during this time, making several trips to see the dying son of Henry Sutton at Mandurah and also caring for Mr John Allnutt in his final stages, before his death at Australind on 8 March.[20]
Clifton’s final journal record was on 4 April 1861, when he wrote ‘Very ill in bed. Rain all Day. Men planting Potatoes on New Ground. Lady & Miss B. came just after Dinner & then Rob. The Dr. here. I was very ill all day in Bed & at night worse again.’[21] No doubt Dr Sampson was at Clifton’s bedside when he passed away on 10 April 1861, aged 73.
By 1863 John Sampson had taken on debt and built a fine two-story house with out-buildings on a half-acre block in Bunbury, but was soon in financial trouble. In June that year notice was given that William Forrest and Henry Gillman had been appointed as Trustees of Sampson’s Estate, responsible for collecting his debts and paying off his creditors.[22] Later that year his house was advertised for sale by auction on the morning of the Annual Agricultural Show.[23] [It is not known whether the sale took place, as the Sampsons continued to reside in a two-storey home.]
Heavy consumption of alcohol was considered a scourge in the colony and the Temperance movement was attracting large crowds to their meetings. In August 1867 a Temperance Meeting was held in the schoolroom in Bunbury, with Chairman Rev. Andrew Buchanan holding forth to a large crowd of mainly working men, extolling the need for total abstinence. Doctor Sampson, who in the past had a record of heavy drinking, concluded the meeting with two Temperance songs, accompanied on the harmonium.[24]
A couple of weeks later came the sad news that Mrs Maria Sampson, aged 47, after being caught in a heavy downpour, had suddenly collapsed and died at her front gate. The obituary reveals the depth of respect held for the couple by the local community:
BUNBURY.
From our own Correspondent.
It is with a feeling of sincere sorrow that I have to record a most melancholy event which occurred on Sunday evening last, when the wife of Dr. Sampson, who was hurrying home from chapel, got overtaken by a storm, and died suddenly from disease of the heart, when only a few paces from her own gate.
Unfortunately, the doctor had been detained for a few moments by a patient, and when he reached her his cry of anguish fell on ears that were closed for ever: her Spirit had fled to Him who gave it. This sudden death has caused a general feeling of sorrow for the deceased, and sincere sympathy for Dr. Sampson, who, having laboured among us for many years in his professional capacity, has gained the universal esteem and respect of the community.
The funeral took place yesterday, when a large concourse of every class and denomination paid their last tribute of respect at the grave of the departed one. The Rev. A. Buchanan, assisted by the Rev. J. Withers, conducted the burial service in a most impressive manner, his sense of duty evidently supporting him in what we all felt to be an hour of trial and unusual solemnity.[25]
John Sampson’s financial situation appeared to be on the upturn when he purchased a farm block of 40 acres near Bunbury.[26] He is said to have employed 20 ticket-of-leave workers on occasions between 1864 – 1872.[27]
Dr Sampson in Victoria Street, photo probably taken in 1867 by Stephen Stout or James Manning.
(Courtesy of King Cottage Museum.)
A Second Marriage
Another change in his situation came with his marriage to Sophia Wilhelm at the Wesleyan Chapel in Perth on 8 April 1868.[28] She was a young Irish woman who had migrated to the Colony with her sister Agnes, arriving on the Strathallan in 1862.[29] Sophia and Agnes were the daughters of Robert Carnaghan. [Agnes Carnaghan married William Carpenter, auctioneer, at York in 1863. He was an expiree, convicted of forging bills of exchanges at Stafford in 1855.[30]]
Sophia was the widow of a German-born ticket-of-leave man, Auguste Wilhelm, another medical man, tragically killed shortly after their marriage in a fall from his horse, close to a mine site near Northampton in Western Australia. Sophia gave birth to a still-born baby in 1865, her only child.[31]
[Auguste Wilhelm was an alias for Auguste Prediger, a chemist who came close to being hanged in England after giving medicine for abortion to a young pregnant woman who later died. At times Auguste’s advertisements in British newspapers referred to him as ‘Baron von Prediger’. It appears that he did come from a proud Prussian family and was said to have been born in Germany in 1829, the son of army major Frederick Wilhelm.[32] In her book ‘The Bride Ships’, Rica Erickson gives an account of the Prussian Consul in Adelaide being contacted by the family of Willhelm/Prediger, anxious to learn of the whereabouts of their son. Somehow Sophia was tracked down in Western Australia and once documents proving her identity had been submitted, it seems likely that Wilhelm’s family may have forwarded some money for her support, as she owned a property in Murray Street which yielded rents in later years.[33]]
The Sampsons returned to Bunbury after the wedding. An article written that year describes the near death by drowning of a young boy in Bunbury. Dr Sampson was summoned to assist his quick-thinking friend Henry Gillman, who had been called to the scene where the boy had been pulled from a pond, and together they managed to revive him.[34]
Also in 1868 Dr Sampson advertised an unusual raffle to be held at the time of the local Agricultural Show, whereby a sixty-guinea near-new piano would be raffled, provided that sixty people committed to buy a ticket at £1 each.[35]
Sampson and his second wife were canny business people, investing in blocks of land in the Bunbury townsite. In the early 1870s Sampson experimented with growing flax, with around an acre under cultivation at his farm. He sent a sample of rope manufactured in Bunbury to the Government in 1872.[36] Others in the community, including TC Carey, standing for election as Member for the Vasse, urged support for a Government initiative to distribute flax plants as part of a plan to establish a new export industry, but nothing seems to have come of this venture.[37]
At the end of 1873 Dr Sampson considered leaving Bunbury, but then advertised that he had decided to stay, due to the urging of his many patients.[38]
In 1875 John Sampson was persuaded by his wife to sponsor several of her Irish relatives to come to Western Australia as part of an immigration scheme. The Carnaghan family members who arrived on the ‘Lady Elizabeth’ in 1875 were Sophia’s sister Ann Jane (38), and brothers Robert (18), Ralph (16), and Elias (14). Litigation in the Bunbury Court the following year indicates that Dr Sampson had got more than he bargained for during the process:
…The first day (Tuesday) was entirely taken up with the case of Regina v. J. Sampson for the amount paid to Ann Jane Carnaghan for relief as a pauper for twelve months. The Resident Magistrate appeared for the Crown, and by consent the case was to be decided by any two J.P.’s. On the Bench were T. Little, sen., (chairman), and R H. Rose and T. C. Carey. It appeared from the evidence that Mr. Sampson applied by the usual form for the free passage from England of three brothers and one sister of Mrs. Sampson’s, who in due course arrived in the colony, Mr. Sampson paying their travelling expenses, &c., to Bunbury. After a few weeks’ residence with Mr. and Mrs. Sampson a disagreement took place, and the Carnaghans all left. Mary Jane Carnaghan [sic], who, it appears, has been a cripple from her birth, applied for relief to the R.M. as a pauper; hence the present action, the result of which was a verdict for the defendant. The Bench, however, were not unanimous. The R.M. gave notice of appeal on behalf of the Crown, perhaps as the matter may still be considered sub judice any remarks upon the case would be somewhat premature. It is obvious that in this case the public have no right to be saddled with a heavy expense. We have sufficient pauperism already without paying heavily for its importation.[39]
John Sampson quickly responded to the criticism, stoutly defending his actions in regard to his sister-in-law Ann Jane Carnaghan in a lengthy letter published by the Editor of the Inquirer on 28 February 1877. In it he described his efforts to accommodate his wife’s relatives since their arrival in WA and was critical of Resident Magistrate William Pearce Clifton having registered his sister-in-law as a pauper, then taking action against Sampson to recover the costs. Sampson’s letter concluded by demanding that the Government clarify how long sponsors of immigrants should be expected to be responsible for the support of new arrivals.[40]
Once again Dr Sampson was persuaded by his loyal followers to change his mind about leaving the town where he had served as doctor for so many years. Later that year he offered to construct a Temperance Hall close to the front of his residence, and rent it to the Good Templars.[41] In 1877 he purchased instruments and formed a brass band, something that was lacking in the town. By March 1878 the band gave its first public performance, playing some lively tunes under the direction of its leader, Dr Sampson.[42]
The Sampsons by this time were quite wealthy. Dr Sampson no longer had to ride around the district to visit patients, but travelled in a horse and trap. In 1885 it was reported that he had a fine carriage built at GN Floyd’s Bunbury workshop, thus enabling him and his wife to travel in style at weekends.[43]
Mrs Sophia Sampson, a lively woman, described at the time as ‘aged 50, 5ft tall, with grey hair, blue eyes, a round visage and fresh complexion’, was arrested in November 1881 and charged with disobeying a magisterial witness summons.[44] This was connected to a ‘mild’ charge of smuggling brought against Captain Valentine of the Pioneer, who had been charged by WP Clifton with bringing three ostrich feathers, worth around 15/- each, into Bunbury as undeclared goods, and giving one each to Mrs James Moore, Mrs Sampson and Mrs Rich. The Captain was fined double their value.[45]
In 1886 it was reported that Dr Sampson, by then well into his 60s, had suffered severe injuries in a fall down the stairs of his home. During a long convalescence he and his wife went on an extended holiday to the Eastern Colonies. His loyal patients were pleased to see him returning to town in good health. It was evident, though, that he was slowing down a little. It was reported in 1887 that Dr Sampson had reluctantly abandoned his efforts to keep the Bunbury brass band going, due to lack of community support.[46] In 1889, however, a local newspaper editor expressed his appreciation of the aging doctor’s stamina.
…Dr. Sampson, for his age, is a wonder. The amount of travelling and real hard work done by him would appal many a stouter and younger man, and old as he is, he is ever ready at the call of emergency. As an illustration of his movements, on the occasion of his visit to Dr. Lepper’s child, he arrived by steamer about midnight on Sunday, drove to Beachlands, 3 miles, to his patient, back to Vasse to catch the mail at 5 a.m. on Monday morning, and on his arrival at Bunbury rode a further distance of 25 miles, to visit an urgent case. I am glad to state that all his Vasse patients are improving.[47]
Over the years Dr Sampson acquired a number of properties around the town. In 1889 he advertised that six new cottages were available for rental in his ‘Sampson Town’ sub-division. This part of town had on-going drainage problems over a number of years, with numerous complaints to the Council over the state of the road, and especially over the unsanitary state of affairs at the Chinaman’s market garden in the area.[48]
The second Mrs Sampson was much younger than her husband. She was energetic and outspoken, frequently upsetting the conservative citizens of Bunbury. It is not surprising that her careless and sometimes vitriolic comments eventually led to a charge of slander in the courts. Unfortunately her husband, said by some to be under her spell, was dragged into this affair.
Competition had been brewing between Bunbury’s doctors for some time. In 1891 Dr Charles Lovegrove had left Bunbury to take on the role of Resident Magistrate and Medical Officer at Pinjarrah.[49] It was alleged that Sophia Sampson continued to make offensive comments about him around Bunbury, referring to him as ‘a horse doctor’, with no proper qualifications to treat people.[50]
On 18 May 1892 she made headlines when she was summoned to the Bunbury Court, charged with assaulting Dr Lovegrove’s brother, solicitor Charles Lovegrove, with a whip in Victoria Street Bunbury, accusing him of planning a case of slander against her. At the conclusion of the trial the Resident Magistrate stated that it had been a vicious and pre-meditated assault, and in order to preserve peace in Bunbury, it was his duty to sentence Sophia Sampson to one month’s hard labour in the common gaol, plus costs of £1/11/6d.[51]
Sophia was released a few days later. The WA Record reported that – ‘His Excellency the Administrator, acceding to the prayer of several petitions forwarded from Bunbury, ordered that Mrs. Sampson should be released from durance vile on Friday last.’[52]
The case was taken further in July when Dr and Mrs Sampson were charged in the Perth Supreme Court with libel and slander against Dr Charles Lovegrove, who was seeking damages of £1000. It was claimed that Dr Sampson had made defamatory statements about Lovegrove in a letter to Colonel Angelo at Rottnest Island, which later found its way into the hands of Dr Lovegrove’s brother and solicitor, William Lovegrove. During the trial evidence of Mrs Sampson’s slanderous comments was given by a Bunbury woman.[53] After being found guilty, the pair was fined £50 each with costs.[54]
Dr Sampson returned to Bunbury after the trial and continued treating patients. However, in February 1894 it was reported that:
Dr. Sampson, who has been in practice here over forty years, and is now seventy-eight years old, is lying dangerously ill. Up to within the past few days he has been practising, but it is feared that if he gets better he will be unable to do so again.[55]
He survived, but in 1895 he suffered a dislocated shoulder when thrown against a kerb by his pony which had bolted.[56] He was still involved with Wesleyan Church affairs when a decision was made to erect a manse next to the Church.[57] In 1902 he was honoured at a special social function for his service to the Church, after announcing his decision to relinquish his role of organist after many years. In his thank-you speech he traced the course of music in Bunbury from its quaint old-fashioned beginnings many years before.[58]
Dr Sampson lingered on until 1904. Following his death a lengthy obituary paid homage to his untiring work on behalf of his community. The names of his wife’s relatives were listed as the chief mourners:
DR. SAMPSON.
In the death of Dr. Sampson, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, the Southwest has lost another of the oldest and best-known residents. In consequence of his advanced age—91 years—he had naturally been in an enfeebled condition for a long time past, but was up to about a fortnight ago, able to get about. He was seized with an attack of peritonitis, which was the immediate cause of death. Although for some few days it was feared that his end was rapidly approaching, the news of his death, which spread with great rapidity, came as a severe shock to his many friends.
Dr. Sampson arrived in the South-West half a century ago, and at once commenced practice as a surgeon. At that time he was the only qualified medical practitioner in the South-West, and consequently his professional duties caused him to have to travel over a very wide area of country, and as there were no railway facilities in this part of the country in those days, the whole of his travelling had to be done by road.
He was a splendid horseman, and most of his long tedious journeys were accomplished in the saddle. It is stated that on one occasion he rode from Bunbury to Perth to attend to a patient, doing the journey in twelve hours. He was of a very genial disposition and was very popular throughout the length and breadth of the country.
He followed up his profession actively until about 1880, when he retired, and remained resident in Bunbury. Outside his profession he was an exceedingly useful member of the community. Being an accomplished musician, his services were always in great demand. For many years he performed the duties of organist at the Congregational Church. The first brass band in Bunbury was started by Dr. Sampson 25 years ago, providing the money out of his own pocket for the purchase of the instruments, and acted as conductor.
During the last few years, in consequence of falling health, he led a very quiet, retired life. He was twice married, his first wife dying on the 26th of August, 1867. His second wife survives him.
The funeral, at which there was a large attendance, took place yesterday afternoon. The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Chapman (Claremont), Mr. and Mrs. Allan (Perth) and Mr. and Mrs. Baldock (Bunbury).
The pall-bearers were the Hon. E. M. Clarke, M.L.C., Mr. Thos. Hayward, M.L.A., Inspector Holmes, Mr. G. R. Teede, Mr. W. B. Mitchell, and Mr. Harrington. Headed by the Bunbury Brass Band, which played Chopin’s Funeral March, the sad procession wended its way to the Congregational Church, where the funeral service was conducted by the Rev. J. Chapman, assisted by the Rev. A. W. Bray. The cortege then proceeded to the Church of England Cemetery, where the remains were interred, the Rev. J. Chapman officiating at the grave. The mortuary arrangements were carried out by Mr. W. Brittain.
Many very pretty wreaths were sent, amongst the contributors being the following:—
Mr. and Mrs. Chapman (nephew and niece), Mr. and Mrs. Allan (nephew and niece), Mr. and Mrs. Baldock, (nephew and niece), Mr and Mrs. S. M. Kidson, Hon. and Mrs. E. M. Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. Paisley, Mrs. Carey and Mrs. Walker, Inspector and Mrs. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow and family, Mrs. King and Miss Wimbridge, Mr. and Mrs. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. Bunting, Mrs. Metcalf, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. C. Hanson, Bertie Kidson, Miss Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mr. Jos. White, Mrs. H. G. Nelson, Mrs. Akerman, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Wenn, Mr. and Mrs. Armitage, Miss Ashton, Mr. and Mrs Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, Miss Ashton, Mrs. D. Hay, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Erskine, and Mr. and Mrs Gibson.[59]
In 1905 Sophia donated a musical instrument to the Bunbury Band in memory of her husband:
Bunbury:
A Graceful Recognition. — The mark of respect tendered by the Bunbury City Band in attending the obsequies of the late Dr. Sampson met with graceful recognition at the hands of the deceased gentleman’s widow, Mrs. Sampson presenting them with a handsome and suitably inscribed G trombone in token of her appreciation of that act of courtesy. The secretary of the B.C.B. desires us to express the thanks of the band for the handsome present so gracefully tendered.[60]
By this time Sophia was a wealthy widow, even by today’s standards. The Bunbury Rates Books of 1900-1901 show that Dr Sampson, in failing health, had handed over ownership of his many Bunbury properties to his wife. Her portfolio included shops and houses as well as the Sampson Town Estate.[61]Top of Form Sophia Sampson continued to extend her property portfolio, but frequently came into conflict with the Bunbury Council over the state of some buildings and the low-lying land that she owned. In 1908 a Perth newspaper described her as follows:
No financial flies on Mrs. Sophia Sampson, of Bunbury. The fine old lady owns a considerable amount of very real estate down at the Birth-place, and the local council have agreed that it is old, antiquated, and beyond the age of repair. The old lady is a wonderfully energetic dame, her beautiful silver curls and clear-cut features making her an object of stare and query in strange places. Has resided for 40 years in the house which is now her habitat, and trusts that she’ll die in no other. Remembers John Forrest when he used to pursue poddy calf and rebellious swine out near Picton Junction. Thinks Bunbury is superior to Melbourne and Sydney, her notion of the picturesque being that Perth can shame the world as to scenery. And when one comes to survey the panorama from King’s Park, the Grand Old Dame of Bunbury isn’t far wrong.[62]
Sophia lived on until 1911, though her health had been poor for some time. Her obituary is of interest as it lists the properties she bequeathed to her relatives both here in WA and in Ireland:
OBITUARY.
MRS. SOPHIA SAMPSON.
After a lingering illness extending over many months, Mrs. Sophia Sampson, one of the best-known identities, and among the oldest residents of Bunbury passed away at her residence, Clifton-street, on Monday afternoon. The deceased lady had been under the care of Dr. Flynn for some considerable time, and the end was not altogether unexpected. Bright’s disease is set down as the cause of death.
Sophia Carnaghan, which was the maiden name of the late Mrs. Sampson, was born at Lisburn, Ireland, nearly 70 years ago, and migrated to this State when only 20 years of age. After residing at the agricultural centre of York for some little time, Miss Carnaghan removed to Geraldton, where she was married to Dr. Willhelm, the then resident medical officer of the northern district. Six weeks after the wedding, however, Dr. Willhelm was thrown from his horse and killed.
The deceased lady remained a widow for four years, and then married Dr. Sampson, who, strangely enough, was also a resident medical officer, stationed at Bunbury. Dr. Sampson, it may be mentioned, was the first medical man in this district, and practised here for many years. Since her second marriage, which took place over forty years ago, Mrs. Sampson resided continuously in Bunbury until the time of her death, and during the intervening period accumulated considerable property in Bunbury and elsewhere, both in succession to the late Dr. Sampson, who died in Bunbury seven years ago, and in her own right.
The funeral, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, was well attended and the Revs., S. B. Fellows and D. T. Whalley, Methodist and Congregational ministers respectively, conducted the burial ceremony. The chief mourners were Mrs. J. G. Baldock (Bunbury), Mrs. Guthrie (West Perth), Mrs. Edwin Chapman (Claremont), Mrs. W. Allen (Perth), and Mrs. Henry Davis (Fremantle), all of whom were nieces of the deceased lady. The pall bearers were His Worship the Mayor (Mr. C. Fraenkel), Rev. A. Buchanan, Cr. G. E. Clarke, and Messrs. T. W. Paisley, H. E. Reading, and A. R. Foreman, and the mortuary arrangements were in the hands of Mr. W. Brittain.
Mrs. Sampson’s Will. A large portion of the property of the deceased lady has been bequeathed to her relatives in Ireland, of whom several are mentioned in the will. To Mrs. J. G. Baldock has been bequeathed that valuable property in South Bunbury known as Sampson Town, but it is stipulated that the property must be held in trust by the executors. The trustees of the Bunbury Methodist Church are to receive the land and premises at present occupied by Messrs. F. O. Benckendorff and Co., as well as a villa residence adjoining Mr. C. H. Lewin’s butcher shop, and to the Congregational Church has been presented two semi-detached cottages in the same locality, while the Salvation Army will receive a block of land at the rear of Benckendorff ‘s office and £20 in cash.
Several valuable blocks with buildings erected thereon, in Murray-street, Perth, have been bequeathed to Mrs. Emily Davis, [sic, Davies] of Fremantle, a niece of the deceased, and a house situated on an extensive block of land in Wittenoom-street, Bunbury, goes to Mr. Wm. Allen, a nephew, residing at Perth. The horse and carriage belonging to Mrs. Sampson becomes the property of Sergt. Evans, who, with Mr. K. Eastman, has been appointed trustee and executor. The household furniture, personal effects, jewellery, etc., have been presented to Mrs. Jane Carnaghan, widow of deceased’s brother, and the whole of the remainder of the estate, including deceased’s two-storey residence and several cottages in Clifton-street, Lewin’s corner, and a terrace of cottages in Wittenoom street has been invested in the trustees to be held for various relatives in Ireland, who shall receive all rents and profits derived therefrom.[63]
…………………………………………………………………………..
[1] Berkeley Sources, http://humanities.uwe.ac.uk
[2] Gloucester Journal, 15 December 1855.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Bristol Mercury, 15 December 1855.
[5] Death record of John Sampson in 1904.
[6] Death record of Maria Sampson, 1867.
[7] Convict Establishment Fremantle, Casual Sick Registers (CS4 – CS5)
[8] Convict Establishment, Medical, Hospital Occurances (M2)
[9] Convict Department Registers, Character Book (R19)
[10] P Barnes, JM Cameron, HA Willis, The Australind Journals of Marshall Waller Clifton 1840-1861, Hesperian Press, Carlyle, WA, 2010, p.545.
[11] Ibid., p.546.
[12] Ibid., p.569.
[13] Ibid., p.583.
[14] Ibid., p.624.
[15] Ibid., p.632.
[16] Inquirer, 17 August 1859.
[17] Inquirer, 15 February 1860.
[18] Inquirer, 19 December 1960.
[19] P Barnes, JM Cameron, HA Willis, The Australind Journals of Marshall Waller Clifton 1840-1861, Hesperian Press, Carlyle, WA, 2010, p.657.
[20] Ibid., p.654.
[21] Ibid., p.658.
[22] Perth Gazette, 12 June 1863.
[23] Western Australian Times, 29 Oct 1863.
[24] Inquirer, 14 August 1867.
[25] Inquirer, 4 September 1867.
[26] Perth Gazette, 31 January 1868.
[27] Rica Erickson, The Bicentennial Dictionary of Western Australians, University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands, 1987, p.2724.
[28] Perth Gazette, 10 April 1868.
[29] Perth Gazette, 14 February 1862.
[30] Leicester Chronicle, 24 March 1855.
[31] Reg. No. 8680, Department of Justice at https://www.bdm.justice.wa.gov.au
[32] Express (London), 4 January 1859.
[33] Rica Erickson, The Bride Ships, Hesperian Press, Victoria Park, WA, 1992, pps.180-181.
[34] Inquirer, 9 September 1868.
[35] Herald, 31 October 1868.
[36] Express, 14 March 1872.
[37] Inquirer, 13 December 1871.
[38] Inquirer, 17 December 1873.
[39] Inquirer, 21 February 1877.
[40] Inquirer, 28 February 1877.
[41] Herald, 7 July 1877.
[42] Inquirer, 13 March 1878.
[43] West Australian, 14 November 1885.
[44] Police Gazette, 16 November 1881.
[45] West Australian, 11 November 1881.
[46] West Australian, 11 November 1887.
[47] Western Mail, 19 October 1889.
[48] Southern Times, 5 November 1901.
[49] Western Mail, 9 May 1891.
[50] Western Mail, 16 July 1892.
[51] West Australian, 25 May 1892.
[52] WA Record, 2 June 1892.
[53] Western Mail, 16 July 1892.
[54] Southern Times, 23 July 1892.
[55] Western Mail, 3 March 1894.
[56] WA Record, 27 July 1895.
[57] Bunbury Herald, 3 August 1895.
[58] Southern Times, 11 February 1892.
[59] Southern Times, 22 November 1904.
[60] Bunbury Herald, 5 June 1905.
[61] Rates Books, Bunbury Local Studies.
[62] Sunday Times, 28 June 1908.
[63] Western Mail, 24 February 1912.