William Sams, grandson of Colonel John “Tuscarora Jack” Barnwell, was born in South Carolina on April 18, 1741. With the fall of Charleston and Beaufort during the American Revolution, William was forced to leave his home on Wadmalaw Island and purchased Dataw Island in 1783. At Dataw, he began to grow Sea Island cotton. It was cotton that made the Sams family wealthy and the Beaufort region “the exclusive home of the most exclusive few of that most exclusive aristocracy.”

Articles from this era address the period 1783 to 1865.

Uncertainty – Grateful to Andrew Robinson

52 Sams in 52 Weeks

This week’s theme is UNCERTAINTY. Take, for example, who is buried in the Cotton Dike Cemetery? This story begins in 2004 with an interview with two brothers, then wanders through monuments, ground-penetrating radar, a rededication ceremony, and the British territory of Saint Helena Island. It ends with the recent graveside service of Andrew Robinson. We are grateful to Andrew, his brothers, and his nephew for bringing a measure of certainty to our Cotton Dike cemetery.

Dataw Island: No Ordinary Place

Dataw Island History

From prehistoric times to present day, an island rich in history, mystery, and stunning natural beauty. Experience the beauty and history of Dataw Island, South Carolina in this exquisite, limited edition, historical, coffee table book. With over 200 images – from archaeological findings to Dataw’s ruins and its breathtaking natural vistas, you will enjoy and learn the depth of history that makes Dataw the special place that it is today.

Almost Forgotten

52 Sams in 52 Weeks

Almost Forgotten – Of the seven sons of William and Elizabeth, four belong on our ‘almost forgotten’ list. Robert and William because they never married, and we are not sure where they are buried; maybe Datha. Francis also never married. So little is known about him, but he does have a headstone in the Sams Family Cemetery on Datha. And lastly, the wanderer, Edward. With your help, maybe someday their stories will be told.

Disaster – The Story of One Southern Family (1838 – 1864)

52 Sams in 52 Weeks

Disaster – The Story of One Family -Disaster is relative and can mean many different things to many people. And of course, the period of the conflict between the states is rife with stories of disaster. The SAMS family had several members die in that conflict. But today I’m going to concentrate on just one Sams family; James Edings Lawrence Fripp (1816 – 1864) and his wife Evelina Edings Sams (1822 – 1861), who last so many, so young.

Discovery – Francis William ‘Frank’ Sams, Jr. (1846-1921)

52 Sams in 52 Weeks

Francis William ‘Frank’ Sams, Jr. (1846-1921) was one of four children born to Dr. Frank Sams and his wife, but the only one to live to adulthood. He was born in Palatka, Florida and died in New Smyrna Beach, Florida – where he was “discovered” last year by Joe and Diane Roney on their road trip. From the research Joe Roney and I have done, it’s clear he was a very successful man; Confederate soldier at 15, State senator in Florida at 53.

Tale of Two Cemeteries

Dataw Island History

The tabby ruins at the Sams Plantation Complex stand as mute evidence of a bygone era. There were two distinct ways of life which coexisted in the antebellum South. The Plantation Owner and his family were White, European-American, educated, affluent and engaged, politically, socially and culturally, in the wider community. The Slaves, on the other hand, were captured by European slavers who forcibly removed them to North and South America from all over West Africa.