In 1839, he moved to Oberlin, Ohio, due to the breaking up of his father's family.

[1] In Ohio, he lived with some siblings and other relatives and attended school for a year.

[2] On August 16, 1847, Barnes enlisted in the United States Army in Milwaukee to fight in the Mexican–American War.

There, he attended common school, taught classes, and worked at wagon shops.

[1] He held nearly every type of township office, including supervisor and constable.