Norman Barnard

Norman R. Barnard (January 25, 1914 – July 15, 1998), an Oakland County, Michigan probate judge from 1963–1988, was best known for his role in the creation and development of the city of Troy, Michigan.

Barnard's biggest accomplishment is, perhaps, his key role in Troy's shift from a township to a city. He was the last township supervisor and, in 1955, led the way in getting citizens to sign a petition supporting incorporation and got them to the Oakland County Clerk before Royal Oak could file another request for annexation.

The Niles-Barnard House is significant to the history of Troy. Johnson Niles, the first person to settle in Troy, built the house in 1937. The Barnard family got possession of the house in 1941. In 1955, the Niles-Barnard house was home to many key meetings and discussions with the men - including Barnard - whose goal it was to make Troy a city. Barnard and his wife, Harriet, were married in front of the house in 1941.