My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM SAMPLE, retired, Sharpsburg, the oldest citizen in the town, was born in Ross township, Allegheny county, Pa., July 28, 1800. James Sample, his father, a native of Cumberland county, came to Allegheny county in 1790. He was a farmer and miller, and purchased four hundred acres of land in Ross township, which he owned until his death. This pioneer married Christine Taggart, of Northumberland county, Pa., and by her had fourteen children, eight of whom grew to be men and women. William was the youngest of this family. James was a prominent citizen in his day, being the second sheriff elected in the county. He died aged seventy-six years. Our subject is now the only surviving member of the family. He owned two hundred acres (which he sold in 1871) of the original tract of land purchased by his father, and for fifty-four years was engaged at farming. He married Jane, daughter of Robert Anderson, of this county, and eight children were born to their union, six of whom are living: James, Martha, William Hays, Margaret, David and Elizabeth. Since 1872 Mr. Sample has resided in Sharpsburg, where he is a highly respected citizen. For twenty-one years he was school director of his township. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a republican and voted for both the Harrisons for the presidency.