Frank A. Barrett was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 10, 1892. After completing his preliminary education, he graduated from the Arts Department of Creighton University in 1913 and from its law school in 1916. He served nearly two years in World War I in the Balloon Corps. After the war, he began his law practice in Lusk. Later he entered into partnership under the firm name of Brooks and Barrett and operated a large sheep and cattle ranch. During his life he was involved with numerous agricultural and civic organizations

Barrett was active in politics and served as Niobrara County Attorney from 1923 to 1932, state senator from 1933 to 1937, Board of Trustees of the University of Wyoming from 1939 to 1943, and Congressman from 1943 to 1950. He was elected Governor from 1951 but resigned on January 3, 1953 after being elected to the US Senate. He was defeated in 1958 for re-election. Afterwards, he served as general counsel in the US Department of Agriculture and was a member of the board of directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation. He was unsuccessful in his quest for the Republican nomination for the US Senate in 1960.

Barrett died on May 30, 1962 in Cheyenne and is buried in Lusk,

The records from Governor Barrett's term in office include:   

• Administrative Files
• Subject Files
• Budgets
• Assistant Budget Officer
• Charities & Reform [C&R]-General
• C&R-Budget Analysis
• C&R-Children's Home
• C&R-Girl's School
• C&R-Soldier's and Sailor's home
• State Boards
• Civil Defense
• Mine Examiners
• Cosmetology
• Commissions and Examiners
• Pardons made by Governor Barrett.
• Expense
• Correspondence

The Barrett Family Collection
Dates: 1901 - 1997
Vol.: 18 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological in six parts:

1. Frank A. Barrett - General
2. Frank A. Barrett - Certificates
3. Frank A. Barrett - Newspaper Clippings
4. Frank A. Barrett - Scrapbooks
5. Dr. Francis Barrett
6. James Barrett.

Scope and Content: Collection of personal and political records of the Barrett Family. Much of the collection deals with the personal and political life of Frank A. Barrett (1892-1962). The collection concentrates on his years in the US Congress. Among the topics are his elementary and collegiate education, congressional social life, religious activities and associations, national politics, and family life. Some Wyoming businesses, events, and people may be found.

The collection also contains a few files on the political lives of Dr. Francis Barrett and James Barrett.

Additional Resources

• Frank A. Barrett Papers, 1920-1981, Collection Number 00631, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.