JOSEPH GILBERT TOTTEN - (1788-1864) - Army Engineer, born New Haven, Conn. Graduated at West Point 1805, superintended construction of Castle Williams and Ft. Clinton in New York Harbor (1808-12). During War of 1812, chief engineer on Niagara frontier uder Van Rensselaer, and later served under Dearborn (1813). In 1819-31, subsequently engaged in coast defense work; promoted Colonel and made Chief Engineer of Army (1838). In Mexican War, directed siege operations against Veracruz. As member of Lighthouse Board (1851) built some notable lighthouses on Atlantic coast. Promoted Grigadier-general (1863) and brevet Major-general (1864). A founder of National Academy of Sciences (1863). Interested in conchology.