Youngest General of the American Civil War

Youngest General of the American Civil War - Lewis Tappan Barney - Inventory Number:  CDV 552

Lewis Tappan Barney was born in the city of Brooklyn, New York on March 18, 1844 as child of New York lawyer Hiram Barney and his wife Susannah A. Tappan. Growing up with his five siblings Barney became a hotel clerk and tried his luck as a viticulturist.

In 1862, after the American Civil War raged for a year, Barney joined the 7th New York Militia Regiment (Company F) as a Private for 90-day service. In October he joined the 68th New York Infantry Regiment (Company G). At the time present the 68th Infantry was part of the Army of the Potomac's XI Corps and, in the brigade of Alexander Schimmelfennig, was posted in the Washington defenses. A month later Barney, who was listed in some rosters as John Barney, was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant.

In February 1864 Barney was promoted to captain and assigned to the staff of General Rufus Saxton. He functioned as an assistant-adjutant general to the forces stationed in South Carolina. During summer he was offered the colonelcy of the 106th New York Infantry Regiment, but he declined. Instead he tried to raise the 180th New York Infantry. However, the regiment failed to muster when it draw only enough men for a company; and in February 1865 the regiment was disorganized (its men being transferred to the 179th New York). On March 13, 1865, still only 20 years old, he was brevetted both Brigadier and Major General of the U.S. Volunteers for "gallant and meritorious services during the war".

After the war Barney settled in California and married his wife, Mary S. Fowler, in 1875. He died in Inglewood on December 19, 1904; and is buried on Rosedale Cemetery, Los Angeles (now Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery).

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Inventory Number:  CDV 552