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.

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.

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.

Sam Black and Thomas Mellon, who had been admitted to the bar the year before, became professional rivals almost immediately.

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.

After Colonel Francis W. Wynkoop left the regiment to become Governor of the military district of Perote, Black took command of the First Pennsylvania Infantry.

The American force held three strongpoints within the city: a convent, Fort Loretto, and the citadel of San José.

The full garrison was under command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Childs, and Lieutenant-Colonel Black was placed in charge of the citadel of San José, which also served as a temporary hospital.

He resigned in February (before Lincoln took office), but seems to have stayed in Nebraska until June, 1861, when Black returned home to Pittsburgh.

Black returned to Pittsburgh to take command of the Union Army's 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry made up of three-year volunteers, the first to leave the city to fight in the Civil War.

During the Peninsula Campaign, the Sixty Second Pennsylvania Infantry was part of Charles Griffin's brigade of George W. Morell's division of the V Corps.