Samuel "Sam" McRoberts LAST NAME: McRoberts FIRST NAME: Samuel MIDDLE NAME:  NICKNAME: Sam MAIDEN NAME:  AKA 1:  AKA 2:  AKA 3:  TITLE: Mr. GENDER: M MILITARY:  BORN: 13 Dec 1845 DIED: 21 Mar 1864 BURIED: 22 Mar 1864 ETHNICITY:   OCCUPATION:   BIRTH PLACE:  Danville, Vermillion Co., Illinois DEATH PLACE: Salem, Marion Co., Oregon NOTES:  Not in City index but listed with Col. I. R. Moores.  [Grandson of Col. I. R. Moores, and raised by him] OBITUARY:  (Lt.) Samuel McRoberts dies March 21, 1864 in Salem, age 18.  Oregon Statesman, Mar. 21, 1864, 2:5. Lt. Samuel McRoberts of Marion Riflemen funeral.  Oregon Statesman, Mar. 21, 1864 (adv.)  Sec Hesperian literary society of Willamette University, Salem, dies. Oregon Statesman, Mar. 28, 1864, 3:1.   Samuel McRoberts, 1st Lt. of Marion Rifles, dies.  Died in Salem, Marion Co., Oregon, March 21st, 1864, of pneumonia, Lieutenant Samuel McRoberts, aged 18 years, 3 months and 8 days. This noble youth was born in the State of Illinois, where his father, Josiah McRoberts, still lives, engaged in the practice of law. His pious mother, a sister of Messrs. J. H. and I. R. Moores, of this city, died when Samuel was but 16 months old. He was left in the care of his grand parents, on his mother’s side, and with them crossed the plains and came to Oregon in 1852, in the 7th year of his age.  They settled in Lane Co., near Eugene City, where he attended what was then the Columbia College. On the death of his grand father, the family removed to Salem in June, 1861.  In September following, Samuel entered the Wallamet [Willamette] University, and at once assumed rank of a student of uncommon ability and promise. Ambitions to succeed, wherever he was seen, whether in the recitation room, literary society, chapel exercises, or public exhibition, his performances were the manifest fruits of genius, accompanied with indomitable industry and perseverance. Nor did he confine his attention exclusively to his college studies. The columns of at least four of our Oregon newspapers were enriched with occasional gems of poetry or prose from his pen; which with his epistolary correspondence, public addresses, and other useful literary employments, gave additional testimony to the versatility of his genius, and his never ceasing activity. He was also a diligent student of the sacred Scriptures. In them, he more than once assured the writer, that he took especial delight. Convinced from early youth of the truth of Christianity, and having fairly investigated its claims, it is not surprising that such a youth should deliberately yield to its dictates.  At the close of a students’ prayer meeting, held in the chapel of the Institute, about the middle of December, 1862, he, with a very near friend of his arose and expressed a desire and determination from that hour to lead a Christian life, and requested a special interest in our prayers.  Sometime in November last, his lungs being so much affected, that his teachers and friends insisted on his laying aside his studies, and tending exclusively to his health. And could he have possible done so his life might have been saved. But while formally putting away his college books, the fire of his brilliant intellect reburned with raging activity. For him to stop studious thought, lay aside the pen, cease from public efforts for the Sanitary cause, or absent himself from any meeting of public interest of importance, while he possessed physical strength to go about, seemed a moral impossibility, and he gradually declined. Physicians were finally called. Hope was entertained, but fears returned. Expressing over and over again his strong confidence in the Redeemer, and his willingness to be called, to depart and be with Christ, he lingered a few weeks, receiving from his devoted grandmother, uncles and aunts, and fellow students and numerous friends, every possible attention day and night.  With but little suffering, and without a struggle, he breathed his last at two o’clock, on the morning of the 21st of March. The funeral obsequies took place on Tuesday afternoon, under command of Captain S. E. May, Sec. Of State.  The corpse was taken to the M. E. Church, where a funeral discourse was preached, attended with other appropriate religious services. After the procession was formed consisting of two military companies, a large number of students from the university, relatives and friends, in carriages, on horseback and on foot; making, perhaps, the largest procession ever witnessed in this place. At the grave, many of his youthful friends, of both sexes, joined in singing a beautiful and appropriate dirge. The coffin was then lowered to its place, the burial services completed, and will saddened and perhaps better hearts, we, of that mournful throng, returned to our homes. I. Dillon, Salem, Oregon, March 28th, 1864.  Oregon Statesman 4 Apr 1864, 3:5.  (Moores scrapbook) TRIBUTE TO SAMUEL MC ROBERTS, by Judge P. H. D’Arcy  A few days ago while walking through the Odd Fellows’ cemetery south of Salem, I noticed for the first time the following inscription: "Samuel McRoberts, Born in Danville, Ill., December 13, 1845 Died in Salem, Oregon, March 21, 1864". When I read this my mind reverted to incidents which occurred many years ago when, as a small lad, I attended the Old Institute located where the gymnasium of the Willamette university now stands. I read and re-read the inscription with much interest. I did not remember his resting place until I saw this monument. How few there are living in Salem who remember Samuel McRoberts.  "Sam" McRoberts, as he was familiarly called by the students, was several years older than myself. It is strange how this young man’s individuality seemed to interest me. My remembrance of him is somewhat indistinct, but his personality has impressed itself upon my mind so much that I have never forgotten him. When I read the inscription many reminiscences passed through my mind of the pioneer days of our city and the many changes which have taken place since he attended school, and his death in the flush of young manhood.  My recollection of him was that he was a brilliant student, fine athlete, and a splendid speaker. He was unselfish and generous. Kind to the younger boys. My happiness was complete when I was privileged to run for his ball, hand him a bat, and in return for services rendered receive a pat on the shoulder and kindly words of encouragement. He was my ideal in every way of what a student should be. Many times since he was buried have I thought what a success in life he might have achieved with his intellectual qualities, pleasant and agreeable manners which he possessed.  Sam McRoberts was a cousin of Hon. Charles B. Moores of Portland and Messrs. A. N., Ross E. and Carl Moores of Salem. At the time of which I write many persons knew him well. Nearly all of them have solved the problems of this life and passed away from earth never more to participate in the trials, struggles and vicissitudes which we all encounter. On reading the above inscription I could not help offering a small tribute of respect and affection to one who fell early in life’s battle.  The beautiful cemetery where he is buried overlooks Salem, the peerless city of the west. From here one has a delightful view of the Willamette valley, the garden spot of Oregon. In the distance the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade range of mountains, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson and the Three sisters can be seen. Lovely panorama of the beauties of nature.  Kind, generous and noble young man, how your presence has been the cause of many high and lofty ideals. May your sleep be peaceful and serene. In the vigor of youth with fond hopes and bright prospects you passed beyond the river. As I regretted your death very much at the time it occurred, so as the years have fled away my boyish feeling and good will for you have increased.  The remembrance of Sam McRoberts and the old days are with me still. The chimes of memory keep in mind the days of long ago. Surrounded by friends and acquaintances and those who dearly loved him Samuel McRoberts passed out to the unknown shore. All hail, good friend of my boyhood fancies. Your memory will ever be treasured by one who had an affectionate and sincere regard for your kindly and sterling character. INSCRIPTION:  Samuel McRoberts Born in Danville, Illinois  Dec. 13, 1845 Died in Salem, Oregon March 21, 1864 SOURCES:  S&H pg 8 OS Mar. 21, 1864, 2:5 OS Mar. 21, 1864 (adv) OS Mar. 28, 1864, 3:1 OS Apr. 4, 1864, 3:5 Moores Scrapbook CONTACTS:  LOT: 009 SPACE:  LONGITUDE:  LATITUDE: