Barstow, C. H. (Charles H.), -1908

Charles H. Barstow was born in Massachusetts sometime around 1850 and came west after his father died. He first traveled to Wichita, Kansas, but relocated to Montana after the summer of 1876. He became the chief clerk for the government agent at the Crow Indian reservation around 1878 and held the position for twenty years. Barstow became an active collector of Crow artifacts and is credited with encouraging members of the tribe to create "ledger art" drawings to preserve their history and culture. He was married to Susan Elizabeth Chandler, and the couple had at least one daughter, Elizabeth. Barstow died in Billings, Montana in February, 1908.

From the guide to the Charles H. Barstow Scrapbook, 1879-1891, (Montana State University-Bozeman Library, Merrill G Burlingame Special Collections)

United States Indian Service employee.

Stationed at the Crow Agency, Montana Territory, C.H. (or Charlie) Barstow, originally from Mattapoisett, Mass., served at the agency from Dec. 7, 1878, through at least 1891. A clerk until 1885 when he and the agent were forced to resign, Barstow was reinstated as an issue clerk and allowed to remain at the post. Barstow married Lizzie (or Libbie) Chandler, whose family also resided at the Crow Agency. She died in 1891, leaving a daughter, and Barstow died in 1908 in Billings, Montana.

From the description of C. H. Barstow papers, 1870-1891. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 34406811