Barnes spent most of his life in Houlton, attending the local private Ricker Classical Institute for his secondary education.

Following his graduation from the Ricker Classical Institute in 1888, Barnes attended Colby College, a private liberal arts school in Waterville, Maine.

[8][13] Barnes ended his 8-year career in education in 1900, and instead began studying law under Maine Supreme Judicial Court justice Joseph W.

[1] Shortly after moving with his family once again to Norway, Barnes was admitted to the Oxford County Bar Association in 1900 and began practicing law.

[1][15] As Assistant Attorney General, and later as State Representative, Barnes had a focus on cases of medicine, public health, and education.

[16][17][12] Following his stint as Assistant Attorney General, Barnes decided to give up the position in favor of returning to Houlton with his family to pursue a private law career.