Samuel was the fifth child born to to Samuel and Eliza Gunderman Van Blarcom.

Samuel was working as a farmer when he entered into military service in the Civil War. On July 28, 1862, Samuel enrolled in Company D of the 15th Regiment NJ Volunteers to serve three years. He entered as a corporal, was promoted to Sergeant April 9, 1863 and was discharged on July 2, 1865 from Newark Hospital due to a gunshot (grape) wound received at the Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 1, 1864.

Samuel’s date of death and burial is currently unconfirmed.