Farrand Stewart Stranahan

Farrand Stewart Stranahan (February 2, 1842 – July 13, 1904) was an American Civil War veteran, a railroad executive, a banker, and a U.S. politician of the Republican Party.

Early life
Farrand Stewart Stranaham, was born in New York City, the son of Farrand Stewart Stranahan (1812-1845) and Caroline (Curtis) Stranahan. New York State Senator Farrand Stranahan (1778-1826) was his grandfather, and General Charles Stewart (1729–1800) was his great-grandfather.

In 1859, Stranahan removed to Vermont.

Civil War
Stranahan enlisted August 15, 1862, and mustered in as 1st Sergenat, Company L, 1st Vermont Cavalry on September 29, 1862. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on January 18, 1864, to rank from January 5, and 1st lieutenant on May 5, 1864, to rank from February 28. For several months he was aide-de-camp to General George A. Custer. He resigned from the service on August 28, 1864.

1st Sergeant Stranahan, listed as a key member of the 1st Vermont Cavalry who participated in Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth's charge at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, is depicted on the bronze bas-relief of the charge on the William Wells Monument between Big Round Top and Bushman's Hill.

On the afternoon of October 19, 1864, then northern-most land event of the Civil War occurred, the St. Albans Raid. Stranahan participated in the pursuit of the fleeing Confederates after they had robbed several banks and wounded two citizens, one mortally.

Postwar life
Stranahan became paymaster on the Vermont Central Railroad in 1865. Between 1867 and 1871, he conducted business in St. Albans, and in 1871 was appointed treasurer of the National Car Company, a position he held until at least 1903. In 1886 he became cashier of the Welden National Bank of St. Albans, and was appointed its vice president in 1892. He was also a director of the Central Vermont Railroad, vice president of the Missisquoi railroad, an officer in the National Dispatch Line, and vice president of the St. Albans Messenger Company.

Stranahan's fraternal associations include the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

Stanahan was a Republican in politics and as a representative of that party served as trustee of the village of St. Albans and represented the town in 1884. Four years later he was elected to the state senate, and was trustee of the state reform school from 1888 to 1892. In 1892 he was elected the 37th Lieutenant Governor of the state of Vermont.

On August 26, 1862, Mr. Stranahan married to Miss Miranda Aldis, daughter of Hon. Lawrence Brainerd and Fidelia Gadcomb.