Background
Totten, Joseph Gilbert was born on August 23, 1788 in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Son of Peter and Grace (Mansfield) Totten.
Totten, Joseph Gilbert was born on August 23, 1788 in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Son of Peter and Grace (Mansfield) Totten.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1805. Master of Arts (honorary), Brown University, 1829.
Commissioned Second lieutenant engineers United States Army, 1805, 1st. Lieutenant, 1810, captain, 1812.
Assistant engineer harbor defenses New York City, 1808, special supervisor Fort Clinton, Castle Garden, New New York
Assistant in defenses of New Haven, New London (Connecticut), Sag Harbor. Chief engineer United States Army on Niagara frontier, 1812.
Brevetted major, 1813, lieutenant colonel, 1814. Engaged in coastal fortifications, 1815-1838.
Promoted major, 1818, Lieutenant colonel, 1828, colonel, 1838.
Chief engineer United States Army, inspector United States Military Academy, 1838-1864. Served with General Winfield Scott as chief engineer and member so-called Little Cabinet. Originated successful plan of operations at Battle of Veracruz during Mexican War.
Brevetted brigadier general, 1847.
Member Lighthouse Board, 1851-1858, 60-64. Instrumental in putting into use system of lighting by Fresnel lenses.
Commd brigadier general United States Army, 1863. Supervisor defensive works around Washington, District of Columbia.
Member board to regulate and fix heavy ordnance, 1861-1862.
Brevetted major general by United States Congress, 1864. Published Essays on Hydraulic and Common Mortars and on Lime-Burning, 1838. Corporator National Academy Sciences, 1863.
Studied conchology, 2 shells (gemma and succinca tottenii) named for him.
Fort Totten (New York City Harbor) named for him.
Member Lighthouse Board, 1851-1858, 60-64. Member board to regulate and fix heavy ordnance, 1861-1862.
Married Catlyna Pearson, 1816, 7 children.