[3] While serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barlow defended his polygamous views and was dishonorably released.

[4] Later, LDS Church apostle Melvin J. Ballard, the president of the Northwest States Mission during Barlow's service there, served as witness in the disciplinary council that resulted in Barlow's excommunication.

[5] As a member of the Council of Friends, Barlow was involved in the succession conflict following J. Leslie Broadbent's death.

Elden Kingston claimed that Broadbent had ordained him as Second Elder of the Council of Friends.

Due to Barlow's seniority in the Council of Friends and his assertion that he was Second Elder under Broadbent, he was mostly accepted by the Short Creek community.