Andrea Quinn, Historian & Writer of Francis Channing Barlow (1834-1896), Beyond the Boy General

Sketch of Arabella by Winslow Homer (distant cousin and friend of Frank) In an earlier blog I briefly mentioned the death of Frank's first wife Arabella. She was his true love and some would say soulmate. Arabella, like Frank, was intensely patriotic and while he fought on the battlefield she labored as a nurse never too far from where he was. Despite personal sacrifices it was their duty to serve the Union. Her death in the summer of 1864 was devastating and more painful than the wounds he suffered. When she died a piece of him died, too. Many would comment that for the remainder of his life he had a sense of sadness about him. In my research, I came across an article in a Rochester, NY publication, The Soldier’s Aid dated July 6, 1864. The article mentions Arabella and the work being done by the Sanitary Commission at Fredericksburg, Virginia under the direction of Chief Inspector Dr. Douglass. She was involved in the work to convert a large storehouse on Commercial Street in tha

In researching Francis Barlow, I recently read an article in the August 1891 edition of the Philadelphia Times In the summer of 1891 Barlow was spending time at his house in Lenox, Massachusetts. His family frequently spent "the season" in the affluent Berkshires, as did many others of society. It was a time of leisure, gatherings, sporting events and rest. The article recounts an August evening at the cottage of Fred Esler, a railroad executive originally from Philadelphia. Barlow, along with others were engaged the gentlemen's card game of Euchre (similar to poker but played with 32-cards v 52). Barlow, holding three kings in his hand, before the draw, challenged Esler's. "I wonder if you are a young man of nerve. Outside of the pot I would like to wager you the enormous sum of ten dollars that my hand will beat yours." Esler, holding a bobtail straight, felt his hand was good enough to beat Barlow and accepted the challenge. By luck of the draw Esler w

It has been said that war turns boys into men. The experiences in the camp and on the battlefield sets forth a transformation both physically and mentally. A man’s abilities are proven or disproven quickly. Once traits are assimilated little can be done to change opinion to character. How one adapts sets a lifelong course for the future years after silence falls on the battlefield. Francis Channing Barlow was one who proved his tenacity in every aspect of his life. In command of his soldiers and himself. He was an intellectual from Harvard University, graduating first in his class in 1855 and without any military experience he enlisted in the army. There he took to studying again and learned the means necessary to be a commander and lead disciplined men into battle.             Any student of the Civil War knows of Barlow, “the Boy General.” Where he receives most mention is in his physical appearance, character and going against orders during the first day’s battle at Gettysburg where

Major General Francis Channing Barlow resigned his commission in November, 1865 to pursue his legal career and political opportunities that were being presented to him. He went on to serve the state of New York as Secretary of State, US Marshall for the Southern District and Attorney General. His position as Attorney General was one he took much pride in. After his political career ended he remained in the public eye and continued his outspoken nature sitting on various committees generally where he felt wrongs needed to be made right where his ethical nature took precedence in discussions.  There are many examples that show his outspoken nature on many different topics, issues and corrupt practices. Even as his health began to fail in the late 1880’s and early 1890’s his voice and pen were strong. In 1890 The Disability Pensions Act was undergoing reform and was taking a lot of criticism from GAR members. Barlow included. He remained an active member of the Lafayette Post # 140 for hi

A very emotionally heavy period of grief for Frank was in the span of a few short years.  Researching Frank to the extent I have 1864-1868 and again in 1872 were times of much grief and unresolved emotions. Frank's beloved Arabella and soulmate passed away of typhoid, July 27, 1864. Although independent self driven individuals they complimented each other. Her beauty captivated Frank and his self confidence captivated Arabella. Her death was one he grieved heavily for the rest of his life. Frank, fatherless since his early childhood, began an earnest search for his father in the fall of 1864. He made contact with his father through Harvard classmate, Phillips Brooks. Arrangements were made to meet but the meeting never occured. Sadly and suddenly Frank received word his father died after a "heavy blow" to the head in what appears to be an attempted robbery in November, 1864. By late 1864 the emotional weight became debilitating. His wife, dead. His father whom he nev

Francis Channing Barlow (Frank as he was called) began life in Brooklyn, New York on October 19, 1834. He was the middle son to David Hatch Barlow of Windsor, Vermont and Almira Penniman of Brookline, Massachusetts. The marriage of David and Almira produced three sons but ended in roughly 1840. The most accepted account is that David left his family as a result of mental illness and alcohol use. However, I recently found a letter from Louisa Barlow Jay, Frank's daughter, written in 1947 to a Mr. Lathrop which read,   "I can't help feeling that his wife - my grandmother- who left him taking the three little boys while he was still in Brooklyn, must have had a good deal to do with him failing to pieces".   Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the failed marriage, Frank never saw his father again. What could have been a life of disadvantage became one of opportunity. Almira raised her sons back in Massachusetts at Brook Farm and Concord. Here Frank was living