on of Cunningham Sample, Esq. (1723-1803) and Agnes Welsher (1730-1783), of Peach Bottom Ferry, York Co., PA. Moved to western PA. Married Ann Bell (1786-1810) about 1803 in Mercer Co., PA. With her, he had two children, Henry A. and Emeline. Apparently made a career change around 1800, from Presbyterian cleric to attorney. Became the first postmaster of Mercer Co. in c1805. His father, Cunningham Sample, Sr., of York Co., went to great lengths in his 1801 will to brand C. S. as irresponsible in his financial affairs, specifying that, unlike his siblings, he should be made to repay to his father's estate all of the outstanding debts that he had accrued over the years.