John was born in Westrop, Highworth in 1864. He married Ann Collier in Highworth in 1884. and by 1891 they were living and working at Longdoles Farm, Lechlade, and 20 years later they were still there. They had 8 children.
In a local agricultural competition, John (Shepherd) Barrett came fourth in rick thatching about 1911, sponsored by Mr Arkell of Warren Cross farm.
He died in Fairfield Cottage Hospital in 1931, and was buried in Fairford.