Dr. Hampton served as a Surgeon’s Mate during the Revolutionary War, and practiced medicine in Prince William County before settling in then Kanawha County about 1800. His wife was Elizabeth Plunkett, born February 8, 1758 in Orange County, VA and died December 10, 1802 in Kanawha County, VA. They were married May 4, 1779 in Fairfax County, VA.

He settled on a "Soldiers Claim" which was located at the present site of Marshall University. About the year 1802 a travelling artist stopped and spent some time with Dr. Hampton. During the visit, he painted a portrait of Dr. Hampton, shown at the left.

Dr. Hampton had a son named William Hampton. During the time they lived at the "Soldiers Claim", his son William married Malinda Shortridge, the daughter of Col. George Shortridge. In due time, some disagreements occurred between this couple, and she returned to the home of her parents. Soon, local gossip spread the story to the effect that Col. Shortridge was going to do harm to Dr. Hampton. Col. Shortridge decided it best he go have a talk with Dr. Hampton and straighten out the idle talk. He mounted his horse and rode to the Hampton home. Dr. Hampton, having heard the gossip, was concerned that the Colonel had come to harm him. So, just as the Colonel started through the gate, Dr. Hampton shot and killed him.

This is quite possible what caused Dr. Hampton to sell this property.

He sold this land and moved to a tract of land which he and his brother William had inherited from his father by deed dated March 10, 1778. His brother William, who spent most of his life in the area of Catlettsburg, KY, transferred his one half interest to Dr. Hampton on December 8, 1798. This land was near the mouth of the stream now known as Docks Creek. It was first known as Hampton Creek, but later was named Docks Creek in his honor.

The home Dr. Hampton built was in this area on a ridge known as Hampton Ridge. A number of years later, this farm was sold to Judge McQuinn. It was on this farm that Dr. Hampton was buried when he died on August 7, 1840 in Cabell County, VA.

This photograph is of the original burial place on Hampton Ridge. It appears to have been in fairly bad shape when this photo was taken. His body was later moved by the Department of Highways to the Maple Hill Cemetery, which is adjacent to the Docks Creek Cemetery.

At this old cemetery, near the grave of Dr. Hampton, were markers for his son Dr. Anthony G. Hampton and his wife Susannah (Love) Hampton. These markers were moved to the Maple Hill Cemetery, and placed beside Dr. Hampton's grave.

The family has erected a more modern marker at the grave of Dr. Cary Hampton, shown at the left.