The Biographical Dictionary of America/Barbour, Philip Norbourne

BARBOUR, Philip Norbourne, soldier, was born near Bardstown, Ky., in 1817. In 1834 he was graduated from the military academy at West Point with the brevet rank of 2d lieutenant, and was promoted to the full rank in 1836, serving on frontier duty in Iowa and Louisiana until 1840. In 1838 he was promoted 1st lieutenant and from 1840 to 1842 served in the Florida war. In April, 1842, he was brevetted captain for his services in the war against the Florida Indians, and until June, 1843, served as acting assistant adjutant-general of the department of Florida. He was promoted captain Nov. 26, 1845, and served in the military occupation of Texas in 1845 and 1846. He was actively engaged in the war with Mexico, and for his action in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma he received the brevet rank of major. He also served in the battle of Monterey, and while cheering his men to the charge, he was struck by a ball and died Sept. 21, 1846.