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Nathaniel Saltonstall Barstow.
Second Lieutenant 24th Mass. Vols. (Infantry), September 2, 1861; first Lieutenant, December 28, 1862; died at Newbern, N. C., May 22, 1864.Nathaniel Saltonstall Barstow, son of Gideon and Nancy (Forrester) Barstow, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on the 28th of July, 1839. He was the youngest of a large family, which remained in Salem but a few years after his birth, and then went to Detroit, Michigan, where they remained several years. The family returned at length to Massachusetts, and resided for some time at Dedham, where he attended the school of Mr. C. J. Capen. He was a bright, sensitive boy, easily ruled through his reason and affections. He was quick at his books, and fond of reading, especially of poetry and ballads. His memory was ready and retentive, and the cultivation it received in childhood made it quite remarkable in after years. He was fitted for college, together with his friend Caspar Crowninshield, by the Rev. Mr. Tenney, at Northfield, and entered in July, 1856. He remained at the University until January 19th, 1858, when he took up his connections and received an honorable discharge. He soon after studied some months at Stockbridge, with the Rev. S. P. Parker, having some intention of rejoining the University, which purpose he never carried out. At college he took no high standing, but imbibed a taste for historical, philosophical, and even theological reading which was somewhat remarkable for a youth of his years. He had some fondness for the classics, but little for mathematics and the more precise studies. He also excelled in physical exercises, and was a good boxer, rower, and walker. In 1860 he entered the law office of Charles F. Blake, Esq., in the city of Boston. His mind was logical and well fitted for the study of the law; and this quality, united to his great power of memory, rendered this pursuit easy and agreeable to him, and gave
