William H. Barton

William H. Barton was an American soldier and politician from Massachusetts. He is best known for his service as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, where he commanded the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Following the war, Barton embarked on a political career, serving in the Massachusetts Senate and holding the position of Collector of Internal Revenue for the Springfield district.

Early life and education

William H. Barton was born around 1840 in Brimfield, Massachusetts. Little is documented about his early family life or primary education. He pursued higher education at Amherst College, graduating in the class of 1860. His time at Amherst College coincided with the rising sectional tensions that would soon erupt into the American Civil War.

Military career

With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Barton promptly enlisted in the Union Army. He was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, a unit raised in the fall of 1861. The regiment saw extensive service as part of the Army of the Potomac. Barton participated in several major campaigns, including the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battles. He demonstrated leadership during the Battle of Gaines' Mill and the Second Battle of Bull Run. Barton was promoted to Captain and eventually to Lieutenant Colonel, assuming command of the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment in 1864. He led the regiment through the grueling Overland Campaign, including the Battle of the Wilderness and the Siege of Petersburg, before being mustered out in October 1864.

Political career

After the war, Barton entered politics as a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to represent the Hampden County district in the Massachusetts Senate, serving from 1871 to 1872. In the Massachusetts Senate, he served on committees related to military affairs and railroads. Following his legislative service, Barton received a federal appointment, serving as the Collector of Internal Revenue for the Springfield collection district under the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant.

Later life and death

In his later years, Barton remained active in veterans' affairs and civic organizations. He was a dedicated member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the prominent Union Army veterans' organization. Barton also participated in local business and community life in Springfield, Massachusetts. He died in 1917 and was interred in Springfield Cemetery, a historic burial ground that is the final resting place for many notable figures from the region.

Legacy

William H. Barton is remembered primarily for his Civil War service with the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. His leadership is noted in regimental histories and accounts of the Army of the Potomac. His post-war political career, though not lengthy, connected his military service to public life in Massachusetts. Barton's life exemplifies the path of many Union Army officers who transitioned into civic leadership during the Gilded Age.

Category:1840s births Category:1917 deaths Category:People from Brimfield, Massachusetts Category:Union Army officers Category:Massachusetts Republicans Category:Amherst College alumni