John Buffington Stickney (1830-1882) was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Jeremiah Chaplin Stickney and Anne Frazier. He studied law at Yale University and graduated in 1856. On August 1, 1862, Stickney left his Worchester, Massachusetts, law practice and enlisted as a 2nd lieutenant in the 35th Massachusetts Infantry. He was soon promoted to 1st lieutenant, captain, and finally adjutant, before leaving the service on June 17, 1863. His regiment saw action at the Battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Snyder’s Bluff, and Vicksburg.
Shortly after the war, Stickney married Carrie F. Rust; they had 6 children. He and his family moved to Florida, where he practiced law and, between 1876 and 1882, served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Stickney died from yellow fever during a trip to Washington, D. C., on November 5, 1882.
From the guide to the John B. Stickney papers, Stickney, John B., papers, 1862-1865, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
