George G. Barnard

Then he studied law with his brother Joseph F. Barnard, who was later Presiding Justice of the 2nd District of the New York Supreme Court.

In November 1857, Barnard was elected on the Tammany Hall ticket Recorder of New York City, and remained in office from 1858 until the end of 1860.

The appointment shocked Bernard's brother, who said, "George knows as much about law as a yellow dog"[2] In November 1860, Barnard was elected to an 8-year term on the Supreme Court (1st District), and re-elected in 1868.

Eight suits and cross-suits followed, and an armed attempt by Fisk and Gould — involving more than 1,000 men on both sides — tried to seize the railroad by force, but Pruyn was confirmed as Receiver anyway.

The court also barred Barnard from ever holding public office in the State thereafter, with only two contrary votes (cast by Senators William Johnson and Jarvis Lord).

Barnard died in 1879 from Bright's disease at his residence, 23 West Twenty-Third Street, in New York City, and was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery.