[2] The community is locally known for its once large number of domesticated peacocks, originally cared for by Sarah Louisa Barret.

A census of Civil War veterans that was conducted in 1890 showed a man by the name of Joseph Barret living in the area, while the 1870 United States census showed multiple individuals of the family living in the community.

Anthony's grandson Paul Weisinger Barret Sr. (1899–1976) founded the Barretville Bank and Trust, which continues to be a focal point of the community today.

Paul Barret's home in Barretville is known as Squire's Rest, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

At the time, the bank and the J. H. Barret and Sons General Store were connected.