[2] Stetson taught school while studying law with attorneys Julius C. Hubbell of Chazy, Henry.

[1] Stetson was active in several upstate New York businesses, including serving as secretary and a board of directors member of the Clinton and Essex Mutual Insurance Company.

[1] He was a delegate to the 1860 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, where he supported Stephen A. Douglas for president.

[1] Stetson was a pro-Union Democrat and supported measures to prosecute the war and prevent the Confederate states from seceding.

[6] John was killed during the Civil War's Maryland campaign while serving as lieutenant colonel and second in command of the 59th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment.