OBIT: John Roberts, 1863, Ebensburg, Cambria County, PA

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_________________________________________ 

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.