Samuel G. Prather raised and commanded the 2nd Company of the Potomac Home Brigade Maryland Volunteers during the Great Rebellion of 1861 against what was called the only free government on the earth, and he died at his post of duty on October 15, 1861, in the 29th year of his age. Remembered as a true man and exalted patriot, he was honored by the officers and men of Company F, 1st Maryland Regiment, who erected a shaft to carry his memory to later generations and to express their affection for their late commander.