CLASS OF 1859

John Milton Bancroft died at his home in Bloomfield, N. J., July 27, 1918, of old age.

He was born in Reading, Mass., January 14, 1838, being a son of Joseph and Betsey (Wakefield) Bancroft. He fitted for the Chandler Scientific Department at Phillips Academy, Andover. He was one of the earliest members (though not a founder) of the Phi Zeta Mu fraternity, now a chapter of Sigma Chi.

In 1859-60 he taught in the high school of Adrian, Mich., and then went into the office of E. Willard Smith, engineer and architect, of Detroit. In May, 1861, he enlisted in the 4th Michigan Infantry, and was appointed sergeant, taking part in various battles in the Peninsula. October 28, 1862, he was commissioned first lieutenant and assigned to Company K. His regiment fought at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, and in all the later engagements of the Army of the Potomac until mustered out, June 30, 1864. Several weeks later, Lieutenant Bancroft was offered the position of major in the reorganized Fourth Regiment, but his health did not warrant his acceptance of the commission.

,In 1864-6 he was engaged in engineering and architecture, and in 1866 entered upon the business of preparing surveys for insurance companies. For many years he was a member of the well-known firm of Barlow and Bancroft of New York, makers of insurance surveys. He was also secretary and treasurer of the Hammond Typewriter Company of New York.

For many years he made his home in Bloomfield, N. J., where he was actively interested in local matters. He was one of the organizers of a fire department, and declined an election to the city council on account of the pressure of other duties. He served several as commander of W. S. Pierson Post, G. A. R.. and was on the personal staff of General Alger when the latter was commander-in-chief of the G. A. R.

April 12. 1865, Mr. Bancroft was married to Mary, daughter of Samuel Lucas and Mary Ann (Thayer) Hay of Reading, Mass., who died February 4, 1918. Three sons and four daughters survive.