The Biographical Dictionary of America/Bache, Hartman

BACHE, Hartman, civil engineer, was born in Philadelphia. Pa., in 1797; son of Benjamin Franklin and Margaret H. (Markoe) Bache. He was graduated from the military academy at West Point in 1818, and was promoted in the army to brevet captain of staff, serving on the surveys in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. On July 24, 1828, he was brevetted major for faithful service ten years in one grade, and on Aug. 1, 1832, was brevetted major of staff, he was promoted to the full rank of major on the corps of topographical engineers in July, 1838, being engaged on the Florida reef defences; in the construction of the Brandywine screw-pile lighthouse and ice harbor. Delaware; as a member of the board of topographical engineers for lake harbors and western rivers; as lighthouse engineer for Delaware and Chesapeake bays; as lighthouse engineer for the Pacific coast, and as inspector in charge of military roads on the Pacific coast. On Aug. 6, 1861, he was promoted lieutenant-colonel, and on March 3, 1863, was made colonel, serving as superintending engineer of Forts Mifflin and Delaware. He was brevetted brigadier-general on March 13, 1863, and was retired from active service, March 7, 1867. He died in Philadelphia. Pa., Oct. 8. 1872.