OBIT: John Roberts, 1863, Ebensburg, Cambria County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 8 Jan 1863 Volume 4, Number 15 John Roberts Among those noble spirits who gladly gave up their lives for their country, at Fredericksburg, none died more universally regretted than John Roberts. He was a man of no common mould. Endowed by nature with talents of a superior order and possessed of a fund of energy and ambition he was well qualified to make a mark in the world. His affability of manners won for him a large circle of warm friends, indeed it were almost impossible to find one of his years so widely known and esteemed. His name was always spoken in words of praise. That his death will create an irreparable vacuum in our community, those who knew his pleasant winning ways may easily imagine. The deceased was born and passed the major part of his life in Ebensburg. His parents, however, now reside in Ashtabula county, Ohio. In the beginning of the war, over eighteen months ago, he enlisted in the first Ebensburg company that went out – Co. A, 11th Penna. Reserves and at Camp Wright was promoted to be Drum Major of the regiment. He resigned this position in the course of a few months, however, since which time he has served in the capacity of private, participating in all the battles in which the Pennsylvania Reserves were engaged. During the Seven Days' Fight before Richmond, he in common with the regiment to which he belonged, was taken prisoner by the Rebels and held six weeks. After his exchange he was detailed on recruiting services in which capacity he visited this place last summer, staying about three months. He had rejoined his regiment but a very short time when he met his death. He was aged about 28 years. The following brief note from the Captain of his company conveys the official announcement of the death of Mr. R.: Quarters, Co. F, 11th Regt. P. R. C. Dec. 17, 1862 Edward Roberts, Esq. - Dear Sir: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your nephew, John Roberts. He was killed in the battle of Dec. 13th, whilst charging on the Rebel batteries. Nobly he did his duty and fell fighting bravely. Truly it can be said of him that he died the death of the brave. The entire company mourns his loss as he was a general favorite. You will please accept the company's and my sympathies. The body was found and buried yesterday. Yours respectfully, J. C. Burke Poor John! Thou art gone, but thy memory will remain green in our hearts forever.