Background
Barry was born in Scotland, raised in England and came to North America as an impressed sailor who escaped his ship in New York in about 1774.
Barry was born in Scotland, raised in England and came to North America as an impressed sailor who escaped his ship in New York in about 1774.
In 1783, Barry was part of a large group of loyalists, including many Methodists, who left New York and ended up in Nova Scotia. They were involved in West Indies fish, lumber, sugar, and rum trade, as well as agricultural produce. British dry goods were imported for sale in Nova Scotia and stores were operated in many locations.
They serviced these with a small fleet of vessels in which they had a substantial interest.
Barry had four sons, all of whom were successful in business in the colony.