Elisha L. Barney was a merchant doing business in Swanton when the war broke out, and was associated in trade with Colonel Albert B. Jewett, under the firm name of Jewett & Barney. He mustered into service as Captain of Co. K, 6th Regiment, Oct. 15, 1861. he was wounded Sept. 14, 1862. He was promoted to major Oct. 15, 1862; Lieutenant-Colonel, Dec. 18, 1862, and Colonel of the Regiment March 18, 1863. In the terrible battle of the Wilderness, where the greatest havoc of the war was made in the "Old Vermont Brigade," while gallantly leading his Regiment against the enemy May 5, Colonel Barney was wounded and died of his wounds at Fredericksburg, Va., May 10, 1864.
Many other officers and men from Vermont have distinguished themselves in the service, but few have written their names so high upon the scroll of fame. Colonel Barney was an honor to his state; jealous of her good name, he honored his commission, and was the pride of the "Old Brigade."
He was a good disciplinarian, a soldier of undoubted courage and discretion, a Christian gentleman; the men of his command honored and respected him. His remains were brought back to Swanton for internment, and the citizens testified their high respect for his memory in the largest funeral gathering ever assembled in town. Colonel Barney was 32 years of age at his death.
Source: Barney, George. "The History of Swanton, in Franklin County, Vermont." 1882.
Elisha L. Barney was a merchant doing business in Swanton when the war broke out, and was associated in trade with Colonel Albert B. Jewett, under the firm name of Jewett & Barney. He mustered into service as Captain of Co. K, 6th Regiment, Oct. 15, 1861. he was wounded Sept. 14, 1862. He was promoted to major Oct. 15, 1862; Lieutenant-Colonel, Dec. 18, 1862, and Colonel of the Regiment March 18, 1863. In the terrible battle of the Wilderness, where the greatest havoc of the war was made in the "Old Vermont Brigade," while gallantly leading his Regiment against the enemy May 5, Colonel Barney was wounded and died of his wounds at Fredericksburg, Va., May 10, 1864.