William H. Barnett

William H. Barnett was born in Fox Lake, Wisconsin, on July 23, 1856. His father was a carriage builder. Barnett was educated in Fox Lake and began the study of law at Downer's College in Fox Lake before graduating from the school of law at Madison 1880. Barnett moved to Fargo and accepted a position with the law firm of Briggs & Elders. Two years later he began his own law practice and was elected police justice in 1882. Barnett was active in both law and politics for many years.

Barnett married Miss Lelah H. Tillotson, from Rushford, MN, in 1883.