Sampson Cole was born March 7, 1755 in Swansea, MA. Sampson's first wife was Keziah Cole, believed to be the daughter of Isreal Cole. They had three children. She was killed after the third child was born by a fall from a horse. Sampson purchased land in Smyth Co., VA as early as 1770. He then married Lydia Wheeler, who was born in NY. She was the daughter of James and Abigail Wheeler. Sampson died June 25, 1833 in Smyth Co., VA. Lydia died March 25, 1841 in Smyth Co., VA. They are both buried at the cemetery at Old Blankenbeckler School, north of South Fork of the Holston River, above Riverside and below Adwolf, Smyth Co., VA. Sampson and Lydia Wheeler Cole had eight children, Ann, Freelove, James, Joseph, Jesse, Martha, Elizabeth and Abigail.