Samuel came to Tryon County with his father in 1786. He married his wife, Susanna Hamrick, when she was only 13 years old. They lived on Sandy Run Creek in what is now Rutherford County and were successful farmers and devoted church members. They were members of Sandy Run Baptist Church and then transferred to Concord Baptist Church in Bostic. Samuel was interested in educating his children. He, along with William Baxter, sponsored a private school near the present town of Caroleen. The Master of the school was a Frenchman who was highly educated.