Biography

Son of Hiram Barney, Lewis Tappan Barney served during the Civi War in the Union army. He started in the 7th New York State Militia regiment but then was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the 68th New York Volunteer Infantry. Lewis continued to move through the ranks and change companies. Eventually he was named Colonel of the 180th New York Volunteer Infantry and the 106th New York Volunteer Infantry, though the first regiment did not complete its organization and Lewis declined the honor accorded to him by the second. He was brevetted Brigadier General and Major General on March 13, 1865 making him the youngest brevet Brigadier General in the Union Army.