Background
James Barrett was born in Strafford, Vermont on May 31, 1814.
James Barrett was born in Strafford, Vermont on May 31, 1814.
He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1838, and received a master"s degree in 1841. Barrett studied law, first with James Crocker of Buffalo, New York and later with Charles Marsh.
In 1840 Barrett began to practice law in Woodstock as Marsh"s partner. A Whig, in 1845 Barrett was elected to one term in the Vermont Senate, and chosen by his peers to serve as Senate President. From 1854 to 1855 he was Windsor County State"s Attorney.
In 1857, by now a Republican, Barrett was appointed to the Vermont Supreme Court, where he served until 1880.
In 1865 Barrett received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Middlebury College. Barrett also served as President of the Dartmouth College Alumni Association and the Vermont Bar Association.
After the younger Barrett"s 1887 death the elder Barrett lived in retirement in Rutland. James Barrett died in Rutland on April 21, 1900.
He was buried in Rutland"s Evergreen Cemetery.