Charles Barstow was born about 1823 in Connecticut. It is unclear when he moved to Pacific County, WA. Pacific County was formed in 1851 when it was the third county formed in the Washington Territory. Charles Barstow doesn't appear in the 1860 U.S. Federal Census. Yet, he was elected in 1863 (Eleventh) Session as a House Representative for the Washington State Territorial Legislature. In 1870, Charles and his family were listed in Fort Willapa, Pacific County, WA. Charles and his wife, Sophia, have 2 children at this time and he is a farmer. Charles was reelected to the House of Representatives for the 1871 Third Biennial Session. About 1872, Sophia, must have passed away because she isn't listed in the 1880 U.S. Federal Census; however, their daughter, Martha, was born in July 1871. Charles moved in with his daughter by 1900. She had married and they had a child. Charles was living with his brother in South Bend, WA by 1910. He wrote his remembrances of the Territorial Legislature and the Pioneers of Pacific County in 1911. Between 1911 and 1920, Charles Barstow must have passed away because he isn't listed in the 1920 U.S. Federal Census. He had seen the growth of Pacific County for five decades.
From the description of Some experiences in the Territorial Legislature, Sept. 25, 1911, 1863-1871 / by Charles Barstow. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 190773804
