Simon Bernard, a French general and engineer, born at Dole, April 28, 1779, died in Paris, Nov. 5, 1839. He was educated at the polytechnic school,, led the assault upon Ivrea in 1800, served in various subsequent campaigns, was made aide-de-camp to the emperor in 1813, and throwing himself into Torgau with 8,000 men superintended the defence of that place for three months during a terrible siege. In 1814 he gave in his adherence to Louis XVIII. and was appointed brigadier general, in 1815 again fought on the side of Napoleon at Waterloo, and once more entered the service of Louis XVIII.; but having been ordered to leave Paris for Dole, he obtained permission from the king to go to the United States. He there entered the service of the government, devised a system of canals and roads for connecting the great lakes and navigable rivers, and a scheme for the defence of the coast, and constructed Fortress Monroe, some of the defences of New York, and other works. Upon the revolution of 1830 he returned to France, and was intrusted by Louis Philippe with the preparation of plans for the fortification of Paris. He was strongly in favor of the system of detached forts which was afterward carried out. In 1834 he was for a short time minister of war, and ad interim of foreign affairs.

In 1836 he was made minister of war a second time, and held that office till 1839.