African Nova Scotians in the Age of Slavery and Abolition

Rita Sampson was descended from two of the original settlers of Five Mile Plains. Sampson's ancestors, Hoping Bowen and Samuel Johnson were refugees of the War of 1812. They came to Nova Scotia in 1815. Little is known about Bowen. However, Samuel Johnson was remembered as a strong, able man and a good farmer. His wife was remembered as a splendid cook who was skilled at knitting and sewing and able to read.

Date: [ca. 1950]

Photographer: unknown

Reference: Nova Scotia Archives  L. DeW. Rathbun, First Freed Slaves at Five Mile Plains and Vicinity (typescript, 1950), ill. number 7 (GN / R18)