Nash, John M., Middlebury, was born in Middlebury, Vt., on December 28, 1844. His parents were Asahel M. and Jane (English) Nash. Asahel M. was born in Northfield; was a shoemaker, a trade which he followed in Middlebury after settling there. He had a family of three sons and one daughter, all of whom are now living. His widow is also living. He died on September 9, 1867. J. M. Nash was educated in the common schools; was brought up to farming, which he followed until 1861, when he enlisted on the first call for 75,000 men, three months, in the First Vermont Infantry, and after in the First Vermont Cavalry; was present at every engagement participated in by the regiment. He was never sick a day or absent at call, but was slightly injured by a fragment of shell during Bank’s retreat in the Shenandoah Valley. He never left the company, and served until the close of the war. He returned to civil life after the close of the war until November, 1866, when he again enlisted in Company I, Twenty-third U. S. Infantry; was stationed at western posts during the Modoc War; served his three years and enlisted in the same company for another three years, which he also served. After his discharge he went to California, and remained there four years, and engaged in farming. In the year 1876 he came to East Middlebury, where he worked at various pursuits. He was married on February 19, 1878, to Ida J. Smith, who was a daughter of B. O. Smith, a well-known resident of East Middlebury. They have one son, S. A. K., born on January 19, 1883. Mr. Nash has acquired the trade of bloomer since coming to East Middlebury, a trade which he still follows. He is now constable of the town. He is a charter member of Needham Post, G. A. R.
