16 Facts About Sampson Mathews

Sampson Mathews took part in the Indian Wars and colonial revolutionary efforts.

Sampson Mathews was elected to the inaugural Virginia State Senate in 1776.

Sampson Mathews was an original trustee of Liberty Hall, when it was made into a college in 1776.

Sampson Mathews was a member of the Sampson Mathews political family, which saw numerous members take part in state and national affairs over successive generations.

The Sampson Mathews were among the Anglican minority in the predominantly Presbyterian county.

Sampson Mathews was elected to the vestry for Augusta Parish in 1961, and served as such until 1770, when a shift in political population caused the minority Anglicans to lose control of the vestry.

Sampson Mathews was granted a liquor license in 1765, and his tavern and inn in Staunton, a "long frame building, a story and a half high, with dormer windows," soon became the most fashionable of its kind in Staunton.

Sampson Mathews' tavern served as headquarters for the local militia during preparations.

Sampson Mathews was appointed to represent Virginia, and George Clymer for Pennsylvania.

Sampson Mathews wrote to the governor the next day, confirming that he and a company of 250 would head to Fredericksburg in the morning.

Sampson Mathews described the lack of basic provisions in his camp, including tents and ammunition, and the poor health of many from exposure to the winter elements, which lead him to fear mutiny.

Jefferson responded on the 31st, relaying that there were some 150 tents "somewhere," and that he would attempt locate and direct them toward Sampson Mathews, acknowledging that Sampson Mathews' position "nearest the enemy's lines" validated the expediency of these supplies.

Sampson Mathews quickly left again for eastern Virginia, bringing a regiment to James City, Virginia where it saw action in the Battle of Green Spring.

Sampson Mathews served as an original trustee for Hot Springs, Virginia on its formation in 1793.

Sampson Mathews lived in Bath County about ten years at his estate, Cloverdale.

Sampson Mathews resided in Staunton, Virginia in later life, in a log house at the intersection of Beverly and Water Streets.