Brewer's: Samson

Any man of unusual strength; so called from the Judge of Israel.

The British Samson.
Thomas Topham, son of a London carpenter. He lifted three hogsheads of water, weighing 1,836 pounds, in the presence of thousands of spectators assembled in Bath Street, Coldbath Fields, May 28th, 1741. Being plagued by a faithless woman, he put an end to his life in the flower of his age. (1710-1753.)

The Kentish Samson.
Richard Joy, who died 1742, at the age of 67. His tombstone is in St. Peter's churchyard, Isle of Thanet.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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