He was born in 1822/23, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [sources: date: 11 (38 in 1861), 12 (35 in 1861), 18 (67 in 1891). place: 11]
When he enlisted, he was a teamster, and was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [sources: 11, 12]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a light complexion, grey eyes, and light hair. [source: 11]
He enlisted and was mustered into service as a private on 16 September 1861. He was enlisted for three years, at Philadelphia Pennsylvania, by Captain Smith. He was a private in company A. [sources: 1, 11, 12, 19]
On 11 June 1863, he was detailed for duty in the ordnance pack train. [source: 3]
He fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. [source: 16]
He returned to duty (perhaps from being detailed) on 24 September 1863. [source: 8]
He was detailed with the ammunition train on 25 September 1863. [source: 9]
He reenlisted as a veteran volunteer, on 31 December 1863. [sources: 1, 12]
He returned to duty on 1 January 1864. [source: 10]
On 1 March 1864, Colonel Gregory detached him to collect conscripts, at Philadelphia. On 27 April 1864, Sinex reported that he had been relieved from Camp Cadwalader, but had not yet reported to the regiment. [sources: 4, 5]
He was detailed for duty in the division ordnance train on 10 June 1864. He was reported returned to duty on 13 July 1864. [sources: 7, 14]
He mustered out with his company on 10 July 1865. He was a private, in company A. [sources: 1, 12, 19]
In 1890, he was living at 640 Fourth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [source: 15]
He applied unsuccessfully from Pennsylvania for a pension on 9 October 1890. [sources: 2, 13]
He died on 14 April 1891, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died of pneumonia. Member of KD Baker Post, GAR, and veterans of company A of the 91st PA, were invited to the funeral. On 16 April 1891, he was interred, at St John's Methodist Episcopal Vault. The funeral was held from 1223 Randolph Street, the house of his sister Mrs Jacob Myers. [sources: 2 (19 Apr 91), 17 (14 Apr 91), 18 (14 Apr 91)]
His widow, Sarah J Barnes, applied successfully from Pennsylvania for a pension on 20 [?] August 1892. [sources: 2, 13]
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster)
2 pension index by regiment (John H Barnes)
3 special order 33, 11 June 1863, Sinex
4 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 7 March 1864
5 letter, Sinex to Fowler, 27 April 1864
6 special order 13, HQ 91st PA, 1 March 1864
7 special order 44, HQ 91st PA, 10 June 1864
8 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 24 September 1863 (Pri Barnes)
9 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 25 September 1863 (Private Barnes)
10 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 1 January 1864 (Priv Barnes)
11 company A descriptive roll, number 4 (John H Barnes)
12 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 5 May 2004 (John H Barnes)
13 pension index, by name (John H Barnes)
14 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 13 July 1864 (Pri Barnes)
15 1890 US census, veterans' schedule, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 215 (image 1337 of 2610 on Ancestry) (John H Barnes)
16 Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (J H Barnes)
17 death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer 16 April 1891, page 3 (John H Barnes)
18 death certificate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 14 April 1891 (John H Barnes)
19 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (John H Barnes)
BARNES.--On the 14th inst., John H. Barnes, aged 67 years.
The relatives and friends of the family, also K. D. Baker Post, G.A.R., Veterans of the Ninety-first Regiment, P.V., Company A., are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Thursday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, from the residence of his sister, Mrs. Jacob Myers, 1223 Randolph street. Interment at St. John's M. E. Church Vault.