Rev. F. N. Barlow (born 1818), pastor of the Baptist Church in Halfmoon, New York, today enlists as a First Lieutenant in Co H 115th New York Infantry. Known as the “Iron Hearted Regiment,” the 115th New York is organized August 26, 1862 at Fonda, New York, mustering out on June 17, 1865.
In the service of the Union Army, Barlow in a matter of months following his enlistment is taken prisoner at Harper’s Ferry, released, and returns to the service. Eventually, ill health compels his resignation in February 1863.
Of Barlow’s childhood and ministerial career–before and after the war–Baptist historian William Cathcart notes:
His mother died when he was four years old. At sixteen he began the world for himself,–worked hard, and studied until he was able to teach. He began the study of law in Western New York, but was turned from that profession to educational and pastoral work, in which his wife, Miss Harriet T. Henley, of Connecticut, has been a true helper. In1849 he began preaching in Fairfield Co Connecticut was ordained in 1859; organized a church in Danbury in 1851, and was its pastor four years. His other pastorates were at Franklindale, Cold Spring, and Cornwall, Saratoga County; and Middletown, New York; Alpina, Michigan, where he organized a church, and built a meeting-house; Monroe, Michigan; and Chatham, Canada. In1877 he went to California; was pastor eight months at Santa Clara, and at Stockton from January 1,1878, till prostrated by illness, beloved by all, he was compelled to resign, intending to return to his Eastern home.
Barlow’s post-war ministry in California–a destination for many Civil War vets following the end of the war–makes him one of the earlier Baptist pastors in the state.
Source: Sketch of F. N. Barlow, William Cathcart, Baptist Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, 1881, pp. 79-80 (link)
