Samuel Wilson Ware

Cincinnati Eqnquirer 1941 Boasts new Portsmouth Eagle Scouts on Front Page!

This Indian Headress is mising from an auction in January from Sam's Hogan Street residence. The family would like it returned.

A 1941 Electricity Merit Badge Blue Card

OA membership card signed by the Netami Lehiket

OA membership card signed by Dan Beard and James E West

Sam's Eagle letter typed and hand signed by James E West only 19 days before Pearl Harbor

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAMS

The Army advises Sam Ware's family he is MIA

The Germans mention Sam as a possible POW

The Army advises Sam Ware is confirmed a POW in Germany

The Army advises Sam Ware has been liberated

Gift from Samuel Wilson Ware to support Eagle Scouts
for many years to come

The family of Samuel Wilson Ware presented a ceremonial check to the Scioto County Eagle Scout Program for $100,000.00 at Wednesday Augsut 1st's "Scouting Sunrise." The event commemorated 100 years of Scouting in the world, it also left a legacy to benefit future scouts for many years to come. Shiela Lute (left), Janet Matthews (center, executor of estate) present to Opal Spears, Tecumseh District Chairman, the check, behind them stand Eagle Scouts that had just re-affirmed their Oath to the Scouting program. (See more on Scouting's Sunrise" where this presentation took place.
Miss Matthews told the crowd of well over 200 that Sam "had left a CD (certificate of deposit) of $10,000.00 for the local scouts last year, and this was what was left from the estate itself."

The following was written by the famnily on behalf of Samuel Ware.

Sam was born on October 4, 1925 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Samuel Ware, Jr. and Lovell McLaughlin (Ware,Bova) Chambers, both deceased.
Sam's stepfather, Carl Chambers, manager of the Portsmouth Greyhound Bus Station, also preceded him in death.
Sam told so many stories of growing up in the hustling, bustling town of Portsmouth. It was a time when kids could roam the neighborhoods without a worry in the world. Except maybe for the death of a beloved pet.
Sam spoke often of his dog, Mickey. He was truly a "boy's best friend.." After Sam's death, we found a newspaper clipping detailing Mickey the dog's funeral. The neighborhood children had a processional to the grave site on Argonne Road, as Sam played Taps while Mickey was laid to rest.
His most fond memories seem to be those years he spent in the Boy Scouts. He was a member of Troop 20, which met in the basement of Central Presbyterian Church.
The dirt floor there lent a sense of authenticity to the substitute campground. It's been said the boys were very upset when the church came up with funds for a brand new concrete floor.
Sam worked on earning his badges and was able to attain the rank of Eagle Scout in 1941. It was an accomplishment of which he was most proud. He accredited this achievement for his other successes in life.
Sam had quite a reputation as a pool shark around town. It was well earned we've been told by acquaintances. He had a customized que and case that we still have. He also enjoyed the occasional round of golf at the Elks Country Club.
While a student at Portsmouth High School, Sam participated in the Trojan marching band. He graduated in the class of 1943, and was looking forward to furthering his education. But, "Uncle Sam". had other ideas.
The draft notice came and he was now a member of the U.S. Army.
Soon he was on his way to Germany. On December 2, 1944, just weeks after turning 19, Sam was taken prisoner. He spent the next 6 months in German prison camps. He was liberated on May 8, 1945.
After completing his stint in the Army, Sam was now ready for that delayed education. He attended The Ohio State University, where he graduated from The Fischer College of Business in 1949, with a BS in Business Administration.
Sam was a great Buckeye football fan. It was one thing he could really enjoy in his later years.
Sam was engaged to a lovely girl when he entered the Army, but received one of those infamous "Dear John" letters. After that heartbreak, he never really found anyone else for that walk down the aisle. He remained a bachelor and childless. And being an only child, he relied on his cousins for companionship.
After working several years as a salesman for Texaco and Firestone, he began working as a clerk for the N & W Railroad. He worked there until his retirement.
In the late 90's, Sam's health began to decline due to diabetes. That led to kidney failure, then dialysis for 8 to 10 years.
By March of 2005, Sam was no longer able to live by himself at his home on Hogan Street. He settled in at Heritage Square Assisted Living Center to live until his death on May 3, 2006.

More Photos and memories from Samuel Wilson Ware.................

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