Samuel W. Black

Samuel Wylie Black (September 3, 1816 – June 27, 1862) was a lawyer, soldier, judge, and politician. A Democrat closely involved in Pennsylvania politics, he is best known for being the 7th Governor of the Nebraska Territory and for being killed in action leading his regiment in a charge early in the Civil War.

The son of Rev. John Black, a Covenanter preacher, John Brown Wylie Black was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 3, 1816. He was the sixth of nine children. Black and his father exhibited great love for each other, as seen in letters written in later years, but the younger Black had a rebellious streak as well. When he was told by his father that the circus was a wicked place and threatened with a thrashing if he went to it, Sam reflected and then replied, "I've decided. I will go to the circus and take the thrashing." In contrast to his dour father's strict discipline and devout faith, Sam never joined the church and was known for his pranks and good humor. He graduated from the Western University of Pennsylvania, known today as the University of Pittsburgh, in 1834. While at the university, he was a classmate, academic rival, and close friend of Thomas Mellon. After graduation, Black studied the law with Richard Biddle, a former member of Congress, and perhaps as well with Judge Thomas Mifflin Irwin, both a former member of Congress and a federal judge. Black was admitted to the bar in 1838 and married Irwin's daughter Eliza soon after.

Sam Black and Thomas Mellon, who had been admitted to the bar the year before, became professional rivals almost immediately. Both were bright, ambitious, and successful. Their rivalry, however, stemmed from differing approaches to the law as well as personality. Black was eloquent, impulsive, and passionate, and not afraid to captivate and misdirect a jury. In contrast, Mellon took a more studious approach. He spoke less expressively but tried to let the facts win an argument. Mellon found, however, that he could best counter Black's eloquence with ridicule, and after an exchange in open court that led to an outbreak of temper from both men, their friendship turned to hostility. The enmity only ended on the eve of the Mexican War when Black sought out Mellon to renew the friendship, saying "Mellon, let us make it up! I may never see you again." Their rekindled alliance lasted until Black's death.

...
Wikipedia