Born in Thomas County, GA, he was the son of Richard Roddenberry. He was a farmer. He was enumerated in 1850 in Thomas County, GA with his widower father Richard and siblings. By 1860, he was living with his wife, the former Jane Turner, in Jackson County, FL in the home of Thomas E. Turner.

Veteran of the U. S. Civil War. He was a Union Private in the 2nd Regiment, Florida Cavalry, Company E. He mustered in twice, first in Jackson County, Florida on May 10, 1861 and again on June 7, 1864 in St. Andrews, FL.

Jane is the mother of Thomas Richard Roddenberry 1860-1930, who was born 6 days after the census was taken. She was enumerated with her son in Cotton Plant, FL in 1900 as Jane Turner. The census reflects he was her only child.

Sampson married "Leovil A. F. Ross" on February 18, 1874 in Ocala, FL. She is seen as "Eva" thereafter, except on the 1900 census, where she was enumerated as "Levice," married 25 years. Eva (Carter) was previously married to Charles Ross, who is the father of her daughter, Fannie Ross-Mills-Roberson 1871-1951.

In 1880 the family were enumerated in Sumter County, FL with children Fannie, Jim, and Henry. By 1885 they were living in Marion County, FL, and the same three children were enumerated in the home: Fannie, James, and Henry. In 1900, the children in the home were Henry, Jennie, and Arthur.

Eva filed for widow's pension February 11, 2902. Her pension and minor support applications for Jennie and Arthur Roddenberry reflect the same regiment and company. His military records note an alternate name, Sampson Roddenbergh.

Eva Carter and Sam Roddenberry had four known children together:

James Robert Roddenberry 1877-1967

Henry R. Roddenberry 1878-1965

Jennie Roddenberry 1891-1911

Arthur Roddenberry 1893-1949

Biographical Rosters of Florida's Soldiers 1861-1865

Name: Sampson Roddenbury

Birth Place: Thomas County, Georgia, USA

Enlistment Date: 7 Jun 1864

Enlistment Place: St Andrews, Florida

Enlistment Rank: Private

Muster Date: 7 Jun 1864

Muster Place: Florida

Muster Company: E

Muster Regiment: 2nd Cavalry

Muster Regiment Type: Cavalry

Muster Information: Enlisted

Muster Out Date: 29 Nov 1865

Muster Out Place: Tallahassee, Florida

Muster Out Information: Mustered Out

Side of War: Union

Survived War?: Yes

Complexion: Fair

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Brown

Height: 5 ft, 10 inches

Occupation: Farmer

Additional Notes: Born in 1839

Alternate Name: Sampson Roddenbergh