Born in Dole, Simon Bernard was educated at the École polytechnique, graduating as second in the promotion of 1799 and entered the army in the corps of engineers.

Promoted to colonel in 1813, he was wounded in the retreat after the battle of Leipzig and distinguished himself the same year (1813) in the gallant three month defense of the besieged city of Torgau against the allies.

After Napoléon's return from Elba, Bernard rallied to the emperor and took part in the battle of Waterloo in 1815.

[2] During his time in America, he was a member of the prestigious Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences, which counted among its members presidents Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams and many prominent men of the day, including well-known representatives of the military, government service, medical and other professions.

[3] In 1829, under the employ of the U.S. congress, Bernard completed a survey to discover the feasibility of a Cross Florida Canal.