Background
Barnard, John Gross was born on May 19, 1815 in Sheffield, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Robert Foster and Augusta (Porter) Barnard.
Barnard, John Gross was born on May 19, 1815 in Sheffield, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Robert Foster and Augusta (Porter) Barnard.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy.
Commissioned Lieutenant in Corps Engineers, United States Army, assigned to coastal defenses, 1833. Supervising engineer fortifications several ports including New York, Portland and Mobile during 1840’son Supervised fortifications at base of Tampico during Mexican War.
Brevetted major for services.
Conducted survey for railroad across isthmus of Panama for Tehuantepec Railroad Company of New Orleans, 1850. Superintendent United States Military Academy, 1855-1856.
Planned defenses of Washington (District of Columbia) following beginning of Civil War, 1861. Commissioned brigadier general of Volunteers, 1861, brevetted major general, 1864.
Chief engineer for General McClellan during Peninsular campaign, 1862.
Chief engineer all field armies on General Grant’s staff, 1864. Chairman advisory board on improvements of mouth Mississippi River, 1871. Retired from army, 1881.
President Permanent Board Engs. for Fortifications and River and Harbor Improvements, 1881.
Author many articles including A Report on the Defenses of Washington, 1871, The Phenomena of the Gyroscope Analytically Examined, 1858.
Married Jane Brand, circa 1840. Married second, Mistress.