William Thomas Sampson (February 9, 1840 – May 6, 1902) was a United States Navy rear admiral known for his victory in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish–American War.

Biography

He was born in Palmyra, New York, and entered the United States Naval Academy on September 24, 1857. After graduating first in his class four years later, he served as an instructor at the academy, teaching physics.

In 1882, Sampson married Elizabeth Susan Burling.

In 1916, Sampson's daughter Margaret Aldrich Smith became the First Lady of Guam until 1918.

Sampson's granddaughter Marjorie Sampson Smith became a sponsor of USS Sampson on March 4, 1916.

Admiral Sampson died of a cerebral hemorrhage on May 6, 1902, in Washington, D.C., and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

See also

  • List of superintendents of the United States Naval Academy
  • Puerto Rico campaign

References

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  • William Thomas Sampson at Arlington National Cemetery
  • William T. Sampson in 'Miscellaneous Limerick People' file at Limerick City Library, Ireland
  • W.T. Sampson Elementary/High School