BARSTOW, WILLIAMS

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at 05:30:02 :

The Marin Journal
Thursday, July 3, 1902
page 5

DEATH OF S. F. BARSTOW
Veteran Editor Passed Away Unexpectedly Wednesday Morning

Simon Fitch Barstow is dead. Another pioneer Californian, and old resident of San Rafael, has answered the roll call. He passed away in San Francisco, Wednesday morning, July 2, 1902, after an illness of only 3 days, at the age of 70 years. The announcement of his death was a shock and great surprise to our citizens. It was not known that he was ill. Our city was in gala attire, all in anticipation of pleasure and happiness, when the sad news was received.

Mr. Barstow became a resident of San Rafael in October, 1872, at which time he purchased the Marin Journal and for more than 25 years directed its destinies in an able and conscientious manner, as many of our readers can testify. He was born in Hartford, Conn., March 26, 1832, and was educated at Westminster, the same state. Later he served a 3 year apprenticeship in the office of the Chatauqua County Journal at Jamestown, New York. In April 1854 he came to California via Panama, and was on the staff of the Bulletin for 3 years and on the Alta California for 11 years; and was engaged on the Visalia Delta for 1 year before coming to San Rafael in 1872.

Mr. Barstow married Laura J., daughter of George B. Williams, at Petaluma, Dec. 26, 1864, who still survives him. He has one daughter living, Miss Anna P., and has lost 3 daughters and one son. The daughters died in early life and the son in vigorous youth.

Mr. Barstow was a man of sterling worth, one whom the people of San Rafael and Marin County highly esteemed. He was an upright citizen, a man of character and ability, was an earnest member of the First Presbyterian Church.

For several years he was postmaster of San Rafael, an on hearing of his death Postmaster Anderson placed the post office flag at halfmast.