[1] Barney enlisted at the call for three-year volunteers near the start of the Civil War and was enrolled in Company B of the 10th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.
[3] After the war, he received an honorary Brevet from Governor Lucius Fairchild to the rank of captain in recognition for his performance at the battles of Perryville and Chickamauga.
[3] Back in Mayville, he was appointed postmaster by President Andrew Johnson, but resigned after Grant's election.
During the 46th United States Congress, Barney was hired as clerk of the U.S. House Committee on War Claims.
[1] Back in Wisconsin, he worked as principal of the Mayville schools for 15 years and served in several local offices.
[4] Barney was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Soldiers' Relief Association.