He represented Harbour Grace from 1904 to 1908 and from 1919 to 1924 and Burgeo from 1928 to 1932 in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly as a Liberal.
Barnes taught school at Coley's Point, Bay Roberts and St. John's.
He was vice-principal of Bishop Feild College and was principal for a school in Bay Roberts.
He served nine years as principal for the normal school in St. John's from 1908 to 1917.
[1] From 1928 to 1932, he served under Premier Richard Squires in the positions of Colonial Secretary and Railway Commissioner.