John D. Barry

John Decatur Barry (June 21, 1839 – March 24, 1867) was an officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. The men he was leading at the Battle of Chancellorsville mistakenly fired on Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, leading to Jackson's death.

Early life Barry was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on June 21, 1839. He was a grandson of James Owen and a great-nephew of John Owen. He was educated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Civil War Barry enlisted in Company I of the 18th North Carolina Infantry when the Civil War began. He was elected captain of Company I in April 1862. The 18th was part of Lawrence O'Bryan Branch's brigade, and took part in all of the major battles with A.P. Hill's Light Division. Barry was wounded at the Battle of Frayser's Farm during the Peninsula Campaign. losing two fingers. Because he was disabled and Lane returned to lead the brigade, the temporary appointment to brigadier general was canceled. In February 1865, Barry was ordered to command a department in North Carolina. General Lane remembered Barry as "one of my bravest and most accomplished officers".

Postbellum activities Barry died within two years of the surrender of Confederate forces. Returning home in poor health, he edited a newspaper in Wilmington before dying on March 24, 1867. Some of his friends and family said that Barry "died of a broken heart" for his role in Jackson's death. He is buried in Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington.