Philip Norbourne Barbour

Quick Facts

Significance:

Officer at the Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma

Place of Birth:

Kentucky

Date of Birth:

1817

Place of Death:

Monterrey, Mexico

Date of Death:

September 21st, 1846

Place of Burial:

Frankfort, Kentucky

Philip Nourbourne Barbour graduated from West Point in 1834. He had served in the Army for twelve years before joining the Army of Occupation under Zachary Taylor. Throughout his time in the military, he rose to the rank of Capitan. 

During the battle of Resaca de la Palma, Baurbor was only able to see twelve of his men because the thick chaparral divided him from his other troops. Located on the right flank of the American line, he faced a Mexican cavalry attack. Forced to respond, he placed his men where they had a clear line of fire, and they repulsed the lancers. For his actions at the battles on the Rio Grande, he was promoted to the rank of brevet major. 

Baubor led the men of the 3rd Infantry again at Monterrey. While entering the city, he encouraged his men to press forward as the Mexican soldiers fired upon them from their defenses. After his men had finished crossing a narrow bridge into the city, Barbour was struck through the heart by a musket ball, leaving his wife, Mattie, a widow.

His burial is remembered in William Marvin's poem "Battle of Monterrey," where he writes: 

"We laid our loved Barbour to sleep in his grave, 
Where the forest trees waved o'er his head; 
Where the mocking-bird sings the sad dirge of the brave, 
And wild-flowers bloom on his bed."