John Richard Barret

Who was John Richard Barret?

John Richard Barret was a U.S. Representative from Missouri.

Born in Greensburg, Kentucky, Barret attended the common schools and Centre College, Danville, Kentucky. He moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1839. He was graduated from the St. Louis University in 1843. He studied and practiced law.

Barret was elected to the State house of representatives in 1852 and served four terms. He became identified with the St. Louis Agricultural Society and organized its exhibitions. He presented credentials as a Democratic member-elect to the Thirty-sixth Congress and served from March 4, 1859, to June 8, 1860, when he was succeeded by Francis P. Blair, Jr., who contested his election.

Barret was subsequently elected as a Democrat to the same Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Francis P. Blair, Jr., and served from December 3, 1860, to March 3, 1861. He was an unsuccessful for reelection in 1860 to the Thirty-seventh Congress. He moved to New York City and engaged in numerous occupations. He died in New York City on November 2, 1903. He was interred in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.