SAMUEL WARD
Was born in Guilford, Vermont, June 9th, 1793. He was educated by his uncle, Capt. Ward, of Lancaster; came to this place when a young man, and married into one of the oldest and most respectable families of Worcester.
He was admitted to this society in 1819, and remained an active member for eleven years. In the military department of the government he was deeply interested. At this time every able-bodied citizen, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, was obliged to perform military duty at least five days in each year. Worcester, then with a population of little more than three thousand, had full and well disciplined companies of artillery, cavalry, riflemen, and two very large companies of infantry. Mr. Ward took great pleasure in military affairs, and was ambitious to excel and become a good disciplinarian; and he succeeded remarkably well. He was promoted from one position to another, till he was finally elected Colonel of the Sixth Regiment.
The next morning after he was promoted from Major to the office of Colonel, he was walking down Main street, in his most dignified manner, very straight—a little more than perpendicular, when Israel Whitney, who wanted to see him on business, called out, "Major Ward!" Ward walked on. Whitney called a second time, louder, "Major Ward!" No attention was paid to the call. He called a third time, "Colonel Ward!" Ward turns immediately and walks towards Whitney, and says, "Good morning, Mr. Whitney. I am glad to see you. I did not hear you the first two times you called!"
Colonel Ward was a gentleman in his manners, intelligent, kind and courteous; prompt, energetic and faithful in the discharge of his duties, and agreeable and entertaining in conversation. He died in Boston, March 1st, 1842.