Samuel was the son of William James and Maria nee Jacob. Maria was born 1790, daughter of William Jacob and Loveday nee Pennyliggon. William's parentage is unknown.

Samuel emigrated to Australia where he married Margaret Jones of Shropshire. They had 9 children.

Their son, also Samuel, was born in 1860 Ballarat, Vic.
He married Emma Sparnon, she was the daughter of Henry Sparnon and Elizabeth nee Best.

Samuel and Emma had 4 children, all born in Barrapoort, Vic.
Samuel died in 1925, Emma in 1929,both are buried in Bendigo.