Career
Captain Barneson was a Director and Vice President of Standard Oil after the merger. Captain Barneson was also a pioneer in the use of oil as a fuel for ocean steamers. He was one of the most popular social and business figures in the early 1900s and helped transform the economy of California.
In his memoirs Herbert Hoover wrote:
Captain John was one of the choice souls in American life.
Honest, courageous, frank, generous and loyal, and with a high quality of humor, he had started before the mast. Risen to command a naval supply ship in the Spanish-American War.
Gone into the shipping business for himself. Thence into oil fuel business.
From there finally into oil production, where he built up the General Petroleum Company to a great industry." (The Memoirs of Herbert Hoover, pg 111)
Served as First officer of the bark "Wollahra" from 1880-1883
Received his Captain"s papers in 1883
Commanded the English Clipper Ship "George Thompson" from 1885-1890
Retired from the sea in 1890
Entered the service of the United States. Government at the outbreak of the Spanish–American War and commanded the United States Ship Arizona
Appointed "Marine Superintendent" by the United States. Government, in which he oversaw all vessels involved in the transportation of troops into the Pacific
American Institute of Mining Engineers
Panama Pacific Expedition Board Member
General Pipe Lincolnshire Company Founder and President
General Construction Company President
Wabash Oil Company President
Las Flores Land and Oil Company President
Coalinga Kettlemen Oil Company Vice President
Sauer Dough Oil Company Director
Bankline Oil Company President
Union Oil Company Director
Union Provident Director
San Vincent Land Company
Santa Barbara Improvement Company
Residential Development Company
San Mateo Improvement Company
San Mateo Hotel Company President
Barneson-Hibberd Warehouse Company Company-Founder
Macondray & Company
Tyee Whaling Company
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Director
Seattle Yacht Club Member
Northwest International Yachting Association Commodore 1893
San Francisco Yacht Club Member
Saint Francis Yacht Club Member
Pacific Union Club Member
Union League Club Member
Olympic Club Member
Press Club Member
Bohemian Club Member
Commercial Club Member
California Club of Los Angeles Member
San Mateo Polo Club Vice President.