A view of the entrance to the Bassin du Roy in 1847 - Ernest Haumont.
John Sampson began his maritime career around the age of 13, embarking on a life at sea that spanned nearly three decades. He dedicated 21 years of his life to merchant vessels and another seven years to whalers. Although born in Havre, France, Sampson eventually established his home in Brooklyn, New York, where he lived with his wife, son, and daughter.
The last ship that John served on was the merchant and immigrant ship American Congress. This ship was a part of the Red Swallow Tail line and plied between New York and London (Red Swallow Tail Line). John was second mate on the ship. In 1857, John would take a fall on the ship that would paralyze him.
American Packet Ship "Patrick Henry" - Red Swallow Tail Line - Philip John Ouless - Wiki.
To recover from his injuries, Sampson initially spent nine months at the Seaman’s Retreat. On December 23, 1859, he was formally admitted to Sailors' Snug Harbor. Over the next decade, his mobility significantly improved; institutional records indicate he had recovered enough from his paralysis to take a three-month leave from the harbor in 1868 (John Sampson Register page).
John Sampson would remain at Sailors' Snug Harbor for 10 years, dying at the age of 52. John’s Son, Alfred Hagios, and son-in-law, John Abrams, removed his body for burial in Greenwood Cemetery in New York.