Sampley's legacy continues

Although Ted Sampley had not been involved with the CSS Neuse II project for about two years, his death this spring still had a major impact on those working on the ironclad replica.

“Just the thought of the person who got it started dying affected everyone involved with the project,” CSS Neuse Foundation treasurer Jeff Stephens said.

Sampley, with a number of local supporters, spearheaded an initiative to build the replica. Construction started with the laying of the keel in 2002.

“It was his inspiration, his ideas, his will power that got that thing going, because if you agreed with him or not, if he made up his mind to do something he was going to do it,” Stephens said.

Stephens got involved with the foundation several years ago to help raise money and finish the boat.

He remembered spending many evenings after work helping Sampley with construction.

More than six years later, the full-sized replica of the Civil War ironclad sits near the entrance to Neuseway Park, open for tours.

Sampley, who passed away in May, split with the foundation about two years ago. His associates carried on with master shipbuilder Alton Stapleford at the helm.

“It’s my opinion that Alton ought to have full say-so in the completion and the future of the boat,” said John Marston, president of the Neuse Gunboat Association, a separate group working to bring the original CSS Neuse to downtown Kinston.

Stephens said the foundation is currently working to turn the Neuse II “from a ship into a warship.” Remaining tasks include building a carriage for the ship’s cannon, completing the pier and landscaping around the replica.

“I think it’s something worthwhile for Kinston, and Lenoir County as a whole to finish,” Stephens said. “(Sampley’s passing) re-energizes us to go ahead and finish what he started.”

David Anderson can be reached at (252) 559-1077 or danderson@freedomenc.com.