Samuel was the only surviving son born to Nathaniel Gunn and Sarah Day, his two brothers; Nathaniel and Jasper both died young. We are uncertain of the actual birth dates of the three sons, but suspect that Samuel was the third child born to Nathaniel and Sarah.

Samuel's father died sometime shortly after Samuel's birth. Sarah later remarried to a Samuel Kellogg on 24 Nov 1664. Sara was killed by indians during the last attack on Hatfield, MA on 19 Sep 1677.

Samuel was one of the first 40 settlers of Sunderland, MA. He was an original proprietor of Sunderland, one of their first Deacons, Town Clerk and Selectmen.

Samuel was also reported to be actively engaged in the campaigns against the Indians.