Celebration of Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright

May 18, 1928 – January 24, 2010

The following stories were written by various author as a celebration of Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Page 2 to find those stories recommended by our readers:

These stories reflect the true character of the man he was and maybe even explore an unfortunate close brush with death. All are works inspired by the love of the respective authors for this character.

Click a title to open the story…

A Special Day by AC1830

Summary – Ben has a special day planned for Adam.
Rating – K, Word Count – 1087

At Dusk by faust

Summary: What has happened that has changed Adam so much? A story about the ravages of life and the endurance of love with references to ‘Triangle’ and ‘Forever.’
9,500 words, Rating: T

Ben’s Boy #2 – Ben’s Boy Adam by DJK

Summary: This is a collection of four vignettes written to various prompts.
Rating: G 2,920 words

Birthday Blues by Patina

Summary: Adam, away at college, is celebrating his first birthday away from his father and brothers.
Rating: K Word Count=2002

Birthday Boy by faust

Summary: Celebrating Adam’s birthday was always a somewhat strained affair. But the new addition to the family didn’t know that, and so something new happens that has everyone holding their breaths.,
Rating: K 870 words

Blue by faust

Summary: Hoss talks to Adam while taking care of him. Ben faces the unthinkable. And copes.
Rating: K.. 1,300 words

Books and Worms by Mumu74

Summary: PR Special Literary Challenge
Rating: K 1.389 words

Care Package (The) by HelenA

Summary: College freshman Adam gets a special package from home.
Rated: K 7,065 words

Circle of Family: The Book of Adam by Miss Judy

Summary: This is the last story in the Circle of Family saga, but enjoying this one is not dependent on having read the others. Adam has been in Boston for a year and all his careful planning has done him well…until an accident while staying with Abel puts him flat on his back for a few days. It is during this time of infirmity that Marie’s Bible arrives along with letters from home. After reading them, Adam makes a heart-rending decision that leaves his grandfather reeling. This story has its comedic moments along with some sweet takes on Adam’s relationship with Abel and the family he left behind.
Rating: K+ WC 11,400

Crucible (The) – WHN by BluewindFarm

Summary: This is what happens when a writer responds multimple challenges. Four variations on the same story.
Rating: T 2,290 words

Dearly Beloved by Krystyna

Summary: When Adam fails to return after appearing as a witness at a trial in S.F Ben fears the worse. After a frantic search the anxious father’s concerns appear to be worse than even he imagined.
Rated: T 23,235 words

Happy Birthday, Big Brother by DebbieB

Summary: Joe is away on Adam’s special day, but still manages to send his respects.
Rated: G 1,200 words

I Shall Cherish you Forever by Krystyna

Summary: News that Adam has died reaches the Ponderosa … but how well founded is the rumour? Is there a happy ever after ending for Ben and all his sons?
Rated: K+ 10,620 words

Into the Line of Fire #2 – A Single Shot by Debpet

Summary: A single shot has devastating consequences for the Cartwrights. This is an expanded version of my story “Into The Line Of Fire”.
WARNING: CHARACTER DEATH
Rated: MA WC 8200

Long Road Home (The) #1 Missing by Annie K Cowgirl

Summary: Ben receives a telegram about his eldest son that brings despair to the whole Cartwright family. Written for November’s C & S Challenge.
Rated: K+ 1,600 words

Man in Black by BnzaGal

Summary: Pernell Robert’s 2013 birthday writing challenge: Explaining why Adam became the Man in Black.
Rated: K 715 words

Man in Black (The) by AnnieKCowgirl

Summary: Response to the 2013 Pernell Roberts writing challenge. Why does Adam dress in black almost all of the time? Here’s a possible reason for that…..
Rated: K 880 words

Old Man and The Cowboy (The) by Hooded Crow

Summary: This was written as a tribute and a kind of obituary for Pernell Roberts after I learned about his death in January 2010.
Rated: K 1,410 words

Rattlesnake (The) by BluewindFarm

Summary: The alternative version of the episode.
7,330 words Rated: T

Silent Land (The) by Inca

Summary: Two brothers ride into a sleepy, little town in the middle of nowhere. Their name is Cartwright and their appearance triggers a tragic quest for vengeance.
Rated T WC 17,000

Sound and the Fury (The) by sandspur

Summary: It’s brother against brother, Cartwright style! Revenge is not a dish best served cold–it’s best served to the sound of the cannon!
Rating: K 1,160 words

Time Will Tell by DebbieB

Summary: Adam’s 21st birthday is almost here, and Ben has something special to give to him. But does his youngest son’s insatiable curiosity ruin the entire surprise for both Ben and Adam?
Rated G WC 14,100

Transfiguration by Miss Judy

Summary: I’ve always wondered how Adam’s life would turn out after he left the Ponderosa. This story takes a look at the later years of his life. He’s had a distinguished career as an educator, philanthropist and businessman, and is “comfortable” with where he is and not looking for more. That changes when he sees a woman fall on the sidewalk in front of him and finds out that 40 years ago, she was his student in Virginia City. While getting to know her again, he comes to realize many things about himself – in particular – that being in love again is wonderful…but never easy.
Rated: K 47,000

Undiscovered Country (The) by sandspur

Summary: The problems a man keeps secret are the biggest problems of all.
Rating: PG 1,955 words

What Do You Want in a Man by Annie K Cowgirl

Summary: A poem I wrote for the Man In Black’s birthday.
Rated: K+ 260 words

Wisdom Comes with Age by Patina

Summary: All Adam wanted was a quiet evening at home to mark his birthday. Was that too much to ask?
Rating: K+ Word Count=5209

Other stories maybe be found using the following links:

Man in Black Birthday Challenge – 2013

Celebrating Pernell Roberts’ birthday.

Missing Man Challenge – 2017, 2018

Include Adam in a season 7 – 14 episode, as if he’d never left.

Pernell Roberts Special Literary Birthday Challenge – 2014