William Emerson Barrett (December 29, 1858 – February 12, 1906) was an American journalist and politician.

Barrett was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1887–1892 and served as speaker the last five years.

He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1898, and returned to Boston and resumed active management of his newspaper interests.

Barrett served as president of the Union Trust Co. of Boston.

Barrett died of pneumonia in West Newton, Massachusetts[2] on February 12, 1906.