John Lester Barstow (February 21, 1832 – June 28, 1913) was a teacher, farmer, politician, and soldier.
Barstow was born in Shelburne, Vermont, the son of Heman and Lorain (Lyon) Barstow. After teaching in a local school starting at the age of 15, he moved west to Detroit, but returned in 1857 to help his aging parents with the farm. He married, October 28, 1858, Laura Maeck, of Shelburne. He subsequently obtained a position as assistant clerk in...
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John Lester Barstow (February 21, 1832 – June 28, 1913) was a teacher, farmer, politician, and soldier.
Barstow was born in Shelburne, Vermont, the son of Heman and Lorain (Lyon) Barstow. After teaching in a local school starting at the age of 15, he moved west to Detroit, but returned in 1857 to help his aging parents with the farm. He married, October 28, 1858, Laura Maeck, of Shelburne. He subsequently obtained a position as assistant clerk in the Vermont House of Representatives in Montpelier, in which position he was employed when the American Civil War broke out.
Barstow enlisted as quartermaster sergeant, but was immediately commissioned adjutant of the 8th Vermont Infantry on February 19, 1862. He was given command of Company K, as captain, on May 27, 1863, then promoted to the field and staff as major, on January 22, 1864. He mustered out with the regiment on June 22, 1864. He was held in such esteem by the members of his regiment, that he was given two swords, one when he...
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