Lionel Samson
Lionel Samson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1799 |
| Died | March 15, 1878 (aged 78–79) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, settler, politician |
| Years active | 1829–1868 |
| Known for | Early settler in Swan River Colony, founder of Lionel Samson & Son, member of Western Australian Legislative Council |
Lionel Samson (1799–15 March 1878) was an early settler and entrepreneur in the Swan River Colony, whose company, Lionel Samson & Son, ranks as the second oldest family-run business still operating in Australia.
Presumed to be the offspring of Michael Samson from a notable English Jewish lineage, he pursued his education at Oxford University and was affiliated with the London Stock Exchange prior to relocating to Western Australia.
He arrived in Fremantle in 1829 aboard the Calista and launched a venture dealing in wine and spirits as an importer and auctioneer. By 1840, he managed a whaling enterprise at Bathers Beach, Fremantle. Samson purchased Fremantle town lots 27 and 28 during the initial state land auction and held the position of postmaster-general between 1830 and 1832. In 1835, he became the first individual in Western Australia to obtain a liquor license. Following his return to Britain in 1842, he wed Frances Levi, with whom he had six children. His involvement in public service included membership on the Fremantle Town Trust and terms on the Western Australian Legislative Council from 1849 to 1856 and again from 1859 to 1868.
Today, Lionel Samson & Son operates across multiple sectors including wholesale liquor distribution, viticulture and winemaking, production of industrial woven bulk bags, and packaging services. The firm also controls Sadleirs Transport, a nationwide freight forwarding and transportation company.
The Lionel Samson Building situated on Cliff Street is recognized on the Heritage Council of Western Australia's Places Database.
Two of Samson's sons held the mayoral office in Fremantle: William Frederick Samson (1892–1893) and Michael Samson (1905–1907). Additionally, his grandson Sir Frederick Samson served as mayor from 1951 through 1972.