Samuel Margolies studied at Cooper Union Art School and the National Academy of Design. During the 1930's he was involved in the Queensboro Society of Allied Arts and Crafts and was a member of the Society of American Etchers. Margolies was involved in the WPA easel painting program as a printmaker from 1935 until 1939. In 1939 he left WPA to work for the Bundy Corporation as a circuit designer. During the 1950's he taught courses in etching.