Tuesday, July 27, 2021

MINER - SAMUEL SAMPER

Samper's Great Western Billiard Saloon, 
(north-west corner of Herbert & Bayly Streets), Gulgong


Samuel Samper's Great Western Store, Gulgong
Source: SLNSW

Opposite the store of Sun Tong Lee, Samper (2nd from left ?) stands in the doorway in waistcoat and hat. The other man is possibly Aneas McDonnell who worked for Samper for a time.
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (Sept 2006)

Samual Samper, a miner, bought the property at the corner of Herbert and Bayly streets, Gulgong, for 8 pounds in 1872.

In 1873 Samper turned the saloon into the Great Western Hotel and it was licensed to Frederick Francke at least until 1876. The building was pulled down in 1901.
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (July 2006)

For the ownership of the property through to the present day, see 76 Herbert Street.

1872 - [Robberies with Arms or Violence]
About 4:30 P.M. the 4th instant, Mr. Samuel Samper, storekeeper, and Mr. Alfred Allum, accountant, Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, were stopped about 3 miles from Gulgong, on the road to the Home Rule Rush, by two armed offenders, and the former robbed of a gold Geneva watch with three dials on it, a gold Albert chain, and locket with likeness of Mrs. Samper and child, £50 in Bank notes, and several cheques, of which particulars cannot be given at present except that four of them are indorsed "James Ross.” Mr. Allum lost nothing.

Description of offenders:—First about 26 or 27 years of age, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, slender build, long features, black hair, no whiskers; dressed in light coloured coat, light felt hat, and white muffler; a native of the Colony; rode a roan horse, and was armed with a Colt’s revolver. Second about 16 or 17 years of age, 5 feet 2 or 3 inches high, stout build, ruddy complexion, round face, fair hair; dressed in light coloured coat, and moleskin trousers; rode a light bay horse, and was armed with a Colt’s revolver.
Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 5 Jun 1872 [Issue No.23] Page 156 

1872 - GULGONG. Tuesday.
This afternoon, at about 4 o'clock, at a spot three miles on the Home Rule Rush road, Mr. Samper, storekeeper, and Mr. Allum of the Bank of New South Wales, were stuck up by two armed bushrangers and robbed, from the former £100, and gold watch and chain worth £40. Mr. Allum had £43, but the robbers did not get it. One of the robbers appeared a boy; they wore no masks. The victims were taken three hundred yards from the road. No violence was offered, except a threat of shooting if the demands were not complied with. The police are on the alert.

1872 - Robberies with Arms or Violence
About 4:30 P.M. the 4th instant, Mr. Samuel Samper, storekeeper, and Mr. Alfred Allum, accountant, Bank of New South Wales, Gulgong, were stopped about 3 miles from Gulgong, on the road to the Home Rule Rush, by two armed offenders, and the former robbed of a gold Geneva watch with three dials on it, a gold Albert chain, and locket with likeness of Mrs. Samper and child, £50 in Bank notes, and several cheques, of which particulars cannot be given at present except that four of them are indorsed "James Ross.” Mr. Allum lost nothing.
Description of offenders:—First about 26 or 27 years of age, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, slender build, long features, black hair, no whiskers; dressed in light coloured coat, light felt hat, and white muffler; a native of the Colony; rode a roan horse, and was armed with a Colt’s revolver. Second about 16 or 17 years of age, 5 feet 2 or 3 inches high, stout build, ruddy complexion, round face, fair hair; dressed in light coloured coat, and moleskin trousers; rode a light bay horse, and was armed with a Colt’s revolver.
A storekeeper named Samper and Allum, clerk of the Bank of New South Wales, were stuck up near Gulgong to-day. Samper had £100 take from him, but Allum “planted” his money, and the robbers were unable to find anything.

1872 - DARING ROBBERY.
On Tuesday afternoon, 4th June, about five o'clock, as Mr. Samper, store keeper, of Herbert-Street, and Mr. Allum, accountant in the Bank of New South Wales, were returning from the Canadian and Home Rule Rush in a buggy, they were bailed up by two men about three miles from town in the usual style, by presenting a revolver at their heads. Having been ordered out of the buggy, they had to turn their pockets in side out, and surrender the contents. From Mr. Sampbr £100 in notes and cheques was taken, as also a gold watch and chain, worth £40. The robbers returned him a cheque for £20 and his meerschoum pipe. From Mr Allum his watch and chain were taken, but returned to him. He had a few pounds in cash about him, but managed to secrete it so as to escape the notice of the robbers. The two robbers were young men, one being a mere lad. They were both badly mounted. When they stopped the buggy, they ordered Mr. Samper to drive it into the bush, about one hundred yards off the road. They were very determined in their manner, and the youngest apparently required but the word to lodge the contents of his weapon in one of his victims. Though Mr. Samper is the loser of a century, he saved three times the amount by his nerve and coolness. Having completed their rifling operation, they directed their victims to the road, and gallopod away towards the Home Rule. The police were informed of the robbery within half an hour of its occurring, and we doubt not their usual success will attend them in capturing these disciples of Gilbert and Hall. Bushranging must be crushed at any cost. — Gulgong Guardian.
Source: The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) Wed 12 Jun 1872 Page 4

1872 - ACCIDENT
Mr Samper, who was robbed the other day between Gulgong and Mudgee of £100 and his gold watch, has had another and more serious mishap by being thrown from his horse as he was returning from the Canadian lead on Tuesday last Unfortunately the bone of one of his legs was fractured, and the ancle joint shattered, whilst his other leg also received some injury Dr Ramsay was called upon, and we are glad to hear that Mr Samper ia progressing favourably.
- Western Post, June 14

1872 - [IMPORVED LANDS]
Department of Lands, Sydney, 21st June, 1872.
IT is hereby notified, that the persons mentioned in the subjoined list have been permitted to purchase, under the 8th clause of the Crown Lands Alienation Act of 1861, the portions of improved land specified against their respective names.
The deeds for these portions will be issued as early as practicable.
JAMES S. FARNELL.

Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Fri 21 Jun 1872 [Issue No.172] Page 1596

1872 - CHAPPELL V. SAMPER AND OTHERS.
Mr. Darley appeared for plaintiff, Mr. M. H. Stephen for defendants.
This was a demurrer case, in which plaintiff demurred to defendants' pleadings. Plaintiff's case was, that defendants trespassed on his land at Gulgong, Wellington district, and with horses, &c, trampled down the grass, undermined, tunnelled, and dug shafts into his land, and got therefrom a large quantity of gold, which they have converted to their own use. Plaintiff claimed L1000 damages. A writ of injunction, to prevent a recurrence of such trespasses, was also sought to be obtained by this action. The defence was to the effect that plaintiff had applied for and obtained a lease of ten acres of auriferous laud, under the Goldfields Act and Regulations of 17th of February, 1870, and subject to the conditions of the said regulations, amongst which conditions was the following:—"That labour shall be employed upon the ground fourteen days after application, should no notice of objection have been received from the commissioner in charge. One man for each acre, and in a river bed two men for every hundred yards, shall be immediately employed thereon; and within one month of the issue of the lease an additional man for each acre, and in a river bed two additional men for each one hundred yards. Provided always that while steam or water power employed in draught, or driving machinery, shall be computed as equal to two men, and when other works of an expensive nature such as dams, reservoirs, or races, have been constructed a diminution in the number of men required to be employed will be allowed at the rate of two men for every £100 so expended, to be determined in case of dispute by the commissioner." The defendants plead that after the lapse of a month, whilst this regulation was in force, plaintiff neglected to fulfil the said conditions, but made breach thereof in this—that he wholly neglected to employ two men for each acre, nor did he employ in lieu thereof machinery and horse-power, nor did he expend a sufficient sum of money in the construction of any works so as to be allowed diminution in the number of his men.
Defendants also maintained, as owners respectively of miners rights, and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, that they took possession of the land as their claim and duly registered and worked the same, which are the alleged trespasses. It was now contended that, assuming that the condition above mentioned not to have been complied with, such non-compliance does not operate as a forfeiture. Also assuming that non-compliance of the conditions did work as a forfeiture of the lease, yet no one could take advantage of such forfeiture but the Crown. Consequently it was urged that defendants' trespasses did not afford any justification whatever. It was also a matter of contest whether a lease granted under the Gold Fields Act of 1866 was not subject to the above-montioned regulations. 
The Court held that the registration of claims was a mere matter of formality, and did not justify defendants' jumping plaintiff's claim. They decided that the defendants' plea was bad, therefore a judgment for the plaintiff was entered on record.
1873 - CHAPPELL v SAMPER AND OTHERS
The Attorney-General and Mr. Pilcher, instructed by Mr. W. Teale, appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. M. H. Stephen, instructed by Mr. F. Curtis, agent for Mr. Dunn, of Mudgee appeared for the defendants.
Jury: Messrs. Joseph Marshall, South Head-road, Paddington; John Mason, 39, West-street; John Macpherson, Waverley; and James McCoy, Glenmore-road.
This was an action of trespass upon a certain mining claim. The plaintiff. Mr. Thomas Chappell, sues the defendants. Samuel Samper, Lewis Whitehead, James McGrath, Michael Horsfall, and Samuel Levey, for having broke and entered his lands at Gulgong, in the Wellington district, and with feet and horses trampled on the land. Also dug shafts and undermined the same. And further, that the defendants got a large quantity of gold therefrom which they converted to their own use. Plaintiff claimed £1000 damages, and a writ of injunction, to restrain defendants from further trespasses. The defendants pleaded—1. Not guilty. 2. That the land was not plaintiff's, as alleged. Leave was granted to the plaintiff to enter another count in the declaration for special damages. The trial of this case did not conclude, as his Honor after hearing evidence for the plaintiff, became suddenly indisposed and left the bench.

1873 - REEFING.
A few tons of stone from the old Gulgong Reef were crushed about ten days ago, at Reedy Creek; 2½ oz to the ton is the reported yield, but I cannot vouch for it. The locality is in favour with experienced reefers. Messrs. Samper and Co., it is said, on the strength of the crushing, bought up all the scrip in the market, and resold at a large profit; but like the well known Hill End, all kinds of dodges are resorted to here, and your correspondent is frequently puzzled in his endeavours to obtain reliable information.

1873 - [GUNPOWDER]
Samuel Samper, summoned by Senior-sergeant O’Donnell, Gulgong Police, for having 600lbs. gunpowder on his premises in Herbert-street, Gulgong, for sale, has been fined 8d. per lb. (£12 10s. 8d.), for every lb. in excess of 224lbs. found on premises— 376lbs. confiscated.
Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 11 Jun 1873 [Issue No.24] Page 177


In later years, Samper is listed in applications for various mining leases at "Mudgee River" (1874) and "Three Mile, Gulgong", "Old Tallewang" and "Gulgong" (1875). By 1878 he had mover to Cooktown, only to be robbed again!

1878 - [COOKTOWN]
Mr. Samper, formerly of Gulgong, but now a storekeeper at Cooktown, had his store burglariously entered recently by two Chinamen. He caught the leader, and handed him over to the police.

1882 - [SAMUEL SAMPER]
Many of the old Gulgong and Trunkey diggers will remember a storekeeper on those goldfields. Mr Samuel Samper, who carried on business for years and was extremely popular amongst the miners, for his goodness of heart and enterprise.
Those that do remember him, and we know they are legion, will be glad to learn that his investments in Port Darwin tin selections have turned out exceedingly well; and besides having sold interests to the tune of £15,000 cash, has reserved enough interests to give him a handsome income and make him a very wealthy man. Mr Samper is interested with Mr De Courcy Browne in several mining matters.
Advertisement, 1882

1882 - [SAMUEL SAMPER ADVERTISEMENT]
Formerly of Gulgong, Cooktown, &c.
Metal Banker Financial
Commercial and Mining Management Agent
11 Bridge Street Sydney
Commissions faithfully attended to. 
Indents executed. 49
Source: Temora Herald and Mining Journal (NSW : 1882 - 1883) Tue 2 May 1882 Page 1

1891 - Death of Mr. Samuel Samper.
The news of the death of Mr. Samuel Samper, one of the oldest and most respected miners in the colony, will be received with profound regret. Mr. Samper had been very ill for the past nine days suffering from a severe attack of constipation, and his condition at the first had been regarded as highly critical, but last week he seemed considerably improved. He continued to improve till Tuesday, when his condition took a sudden change, and he expired last night at his residence, 'Rosewood,' Arundel terrace, Forest Lodge. 
The deceased gentleman was 48 years of age, and came to this colony from Germany when 18 years of age. A few years later he proceeded to Gulgong, and became one of the pioneers. Mr. Samper commenced business there as a storekeeper, and made himself most popular among the miners. He had a great penchant for mining, and has lived in almost every mining town in New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand. In 1872, he proceeded to Cooktown, where he opened business as storekeeper, just when the Palmer goldfields broke out. He also commenced business on the goldfields, where he proved a great friend to the unlucky miner. Mr. Samper lived many years in Cooktown, and when the township was declared a municipality, he was elected Mayor, and held that position for several years. He was also well known on the Temora goldfield. During the past 10 years the deceased gentleman has been living in Sydney, and carrying on business as a mining agent and sharebroker.
Some two years ago he started the Australasian Open Mining Exchange, in George-street, and afterwards floated it into a company, for which he held the position of caller and manager for some time. Up to the time of his death he carried on business in the exchange, where he had offices.
The name of  "Sam Samper" was known to almost every miner in the colonies, and his untimely death will be a great shock to many. In his early days he lived and did business on the many goldfields of New Zealand, and in those days he made a lot of money. He married a Miss Hunt, a sister to Mr. William Hunt, a gentleman well-known in mining circles. Mr. Samper leaves a widow and a married daughter, Mrs. Parish, wife of Mr. Walter Parish, a well-known Sydney solicitor. The funeral takes place to-morrow.


Samuel Samper (the first Mayor of Cooktown and of late years manager of the Australasian Mining Exchange, Sydney) died the other day, aged 48 years, sincerely regretted by all who knew him. He was a German by birth, and arrived in Australia 30 years ago, when he became a pioneer of Gulgong, and since then had “followed the goldfields” in N.S.W., New Zealand, and Queensland. Mr. Samper was a Jew, possessed of all the kindness of heart which is so often accounted a Christian monopoly, and if to him in the Great Unknown is measured out the mercy which, as a diggings storekeeper, he ever meted to the miner who was down on his luck and to the widow and children of the man who had gone under, then will Sam. —to whose ashes peace ! —be happy for evermore.
Source: The bulletin. Vol. 11 No. 574 (14 Feb 1891)
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