Fred Samson, a prominent businessman of Luckey, and senior member of the firm of Samson & Holter, general merchants, has, since the fall of 1895, conducted his present store in a new building which he erected that year. It is a two story brick, 22 x 80 feet, and there he carries a full and complete assortment of general merchandise, for which he finds a ready sale.

The early home of our subject was in Troy township, where he was born on the farm of his parents, Edward and Mary (Whitker) Samson, in [Jun. 12] 1851. They were both natives of Hanover, Germany, and came to Troy Township, where their marriage was celebrated. About 1838, Edward Samson accompanied his father, John F. Samson, to this locality, where the latter opened up a farm in the midst of the woods, and there died in 1852. The father of our subject also made farming his life occupation, and on his farm in Troy Township, departed this life in 1893. His widow still survives him. Their family consisted of six children, who, in order of birth, are as follows: Fred, of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Rolf, of Pemberville; Mrs. Anna Hartman; William of Toledo, Ohio; Mrs. Sophia Restemeyer, of Freedom township; and Mrs. Lena Swan of the same Township.
Fred Samson was reared like most farmer boys in a frontier region, receiving his education in the common schools of Troy Township, and continued a member of his father’s household until 1887, when he began the saloon business in Luckey, which he conducted for eight years, and then opened his present store. In Troy Township, in 1878, Mr. Samson was united in marriage with Miss [Katherine] Eliza Laurmann, who was born there. Her parents, Fred and Eliza Laurmann, were natives of Germany, and at an early day located in Troy Township, where their deaths occurred. To our subject and his estimable wife have been born five children: Mary, who clerks in her father’s store, Lizzie; Eddie; William and Herman.

The family is one of prominence in the community and are faithful members of the Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Samson is an ardent Democrat, and has served as supervisor of Troy Township. He belongs to one of the honored pioneer families of the county, and has watched with interest the marvelous changes that have taken place in this section during the past forty years.

Fredrick Abraham Samson died Aug. 25, 1916 and with his wife who died many years later on Feb. 8, 1935 is buried in Troy Township Cemetery, Luckey, OH.

 “Wood county Ohio, Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1897”