John A. Barney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John A. Barney
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| County Judge of Dodge County, Wisconsin | |
| In office January 3, 1898 – January 3, 1910 |
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| Preceded by | C. A. Christiansen |
| Succeeded by | Frank M. Lawrence |
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 13th district |
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| In office January 4, 1875 – January 1, 1877 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel D. Burchard |
| Succeeded by | Charles H. Williams |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Dodge 3rd district |
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| In office January 7, 1889 – January 5, 1891 |
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| Preceded by | Henry Spiering |
| Succeeded by | William S. Schwefel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 14, 1840 Lenox, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 19, 1911 (aged 70) Mayville, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Graceland Cemetery, Mayville, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Henrietta Beeson
(m. 1866–1911) |
| Children |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Volunteers Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank | |
| Unit | 10th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Alonzo Barney (born June 14, 1840 – died May 19, 1911) was an important person in American history. He was an educator, a politician, and a judge. He served in the government of Wisconsin, both in the State Senate and the Assembly. He also worked as a county judge for 12 years in Dodge County, Wisconsin. During the American Civil War, he bravely served in the Union Army.
Early Life and Education
John A. Barney was born in June 1840 in Lenox, New York. When he was seven years old, in 1847, his family moved west. They settled in a town called Mayville, Wisconsin. John grew up and went to school there. After finishing his basic schooling, he started studying law. He planned to become a lawyer, but his studies were put on hold when the Civil War began. He decided to join the army to help his country.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War started, John Barney volunteered to serve for three years. He joined Company B of the 10th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment in October 1861. His group fought in the western part of the war, which included states like Kentucky and Tennessee.
John was a brave soldier. He was promoted several times, becoming a corporal, then a sergeant, and finally a first sergeant. During the Battle of Chickamauga, he was seriously wounded and captured by the enemy. His arm was so badly hurt that it had to be removed. Even though he was a prisoner, he was quickly released. He was discharged from the army in November 1863 because of his injury.
After the war, the governor of Wisconsin, Lucius Fairchild, honored John. He gave him the honorary rank of captain. This was to recognize his courage and actions in battles like Battle of Perryville and Chickamauga.
A Career in Public Service
After the war, John Barney returned to Mayville. He was appointed as the postmaster, which meant he was in charge of the local post office. Later, he worked as a school superintendent for the eastern part of Dodge County from 1870 to 1874.
In 1874, John was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate as a member of the Democratic Party. He represented the 13th State Senate district, which included all of Dodge County at the time. He served in the state government for two years.
Later, John worked in Washington D.C. for a short time. He was a clerk for a special committee in the U.S. House of Representatives that dealt with war claims.
Back in Wisconsin, John became the principal of the Mayville schools for 15 years. He also held several local government jobs. He was a justice of the peace and served on the Mayville village board, even becoming its president.
In 1888, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing eastern Dodge County. Then, in 1897, he was elected as the county judge for Dodge County. He won re-election twice, serving until 1909. He decided not to run for a fourth term.
John Alonzo Barney passed away at his home in Mayville on May 19, 1911, about a year after he left his job as judge.
Family Life
John Barney was involved in community groups like the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Soldiers' Relief Association. In 1866, he married Henrietta Beeson. They had five children together, but sadly, two of their daughters passed away when they were very young. John was survived by his wife and their three other daughters.
