This six horsepower engine was built by the Samson Iron Works in about 1915. Speed is controlled by a belt driven flyball governor.

Samson also built tractors. In 1918 Samson was purchased by General Motors, under the leadership of William Durant. The operation was moved to Wisconsin, where it floundered until 1922 when the line was dropped.

The first time we showed this engine it was recognized by our friend Ron Ludford. Ron recognized it as the Samson that came out of a mine near Ophir, California. He remembered that the engine was originally coupled to a winch, and he was able to set us on the path to tracking it down.

The winch was built by Orr & Sembower and was badged by Joshua Hendy of San Francisco.