Wilson Barstow

Shipbuilder / Prominent Mattapoisett citizen

The first seven years of the 1850's marked the peak of the whaleship building in Mattapoisett. Only three yards were in operation - Wilson Barstow, Holmes, and Meigs - but in eight years these three yards launched 47 vessels. These were the yards that carried Mattapoisett's reputation far and wide, and brought forth such comments as these in in the New Bedford newspapers: "This thriving town ranks high in shipbuilding and is distinguished for its naval architecture."

The names of Amittai B. Hammond, Joseph E. Smith, Jarvis Ellis, Nathan H. Barstow, Thomas P. Hammond, Josiah Holmes, Jr., Wilson Barstow, and Franklin Cross should ever be held in grateful remembrance by the people of Mattapoisett, for it was these men who, as selectmen during the years 1861-65, piloted the town through the serious turmoil of war.

Barstow, Wilson, Jr., 37th Reg. New York Vols., Ensign, Capt., Lt. Col., Col., and Brevet Brig. Gen.

Some of the ships built by Wilson Barstow:

1827. Aurora, ship, 340 tons, W. Barstow

1830. Mary Anne, ship, 240 tons, W. Barstow

1832. Catharine, ship, 384 tons, W. Barstow; Mariner, ship, 349 tons, W. Barstow; ship, 379 tons, W. Barstow

1833. Champion, ship, 390 tons, W. Barstow

1836. Caduceus, brig, 109 tons, W. Barstow

1837. LaGrange, bark, 170 tons, W. Barstow

1838. Napoleon, ship, 360 tons, W. Barstow, Daniel Webster, ship, 336 tons, W. Barstow

1839. Richard Henry, bark, 173 tons, W. Barstow, Chase, brig, 153 tons, W. Barstow

1841. Edward Gary, ship, 353 tons, W. Barstow; Harrison, ship, 371 tons, W. Barstow

1844. Isaac Walton, ship, 440 tons, W. Barstow

1845. Cachelot, ship, 230 tons, W. Barstow.

1846. Dunbarton, bark, 199 tons, W. Barstow.

1850. Arctic, ship, 431 tons, W. Barstow.

1851. Europa, ship, 380 tons, W. Barstow; Northern Light, ship, 513 tons, W. Barstow

1852.Gay Head, ship, 389 tons, W. Barstow; John A. Parker, bark, 342 tons, W. Barstow

1856. Contest, ship, 441 tons, W. Barstow; Thomas Pope, ship, 327 tons, W. Barstow