Benjamin was born in Vermont. His parents were Benjamin and Bathsheba Barnes. He is first located in 1812 at Jewettsville, NY where he has a tavern and brick business. He came to the area of Theresa around 1818. He purchased land on the east side of the river above the upper falls. He was first married to Rhoda, she died 21 May 1825. Benjamin had 8 children and most are with Rhonda. He had at least 3 sons with Rhonda; Urial 1812-1859, Benjamin 1817-1855 and William R. 1825-1852. He second married Mary Sheley. They had at least one son, Dan Gates Barnes, in Jan. 1827. According to "The Growth of a Century:as illustrated in the history of Jefferson Co." "Benjamin was a licensed Methodist Episcopal preacher and had learned the trade of a mason. He at once began manufacturing brick and burning lime, providing a most acceptable and valuable member of society, as he was particularly adapted to a new country, being both able to work and pray. In that year 1818 Mr. LeRay caused a raceway to be excavated and the foundation walls built for a gristmill and Anson Cheeseman had the contract for the work, Benjamin Barnes doing the mason work. In 1819 LeRay caused a frame hotel to be built at the High Falls as the place was then called, the name Indian River having been dropped. That hotel was destroyed by fire. The site of this hotel was afterwards purchased by Gen. Archibald Fisher and he caused a brick hotel to be built (known as the "brick tavern"), Benjamin Barnes having the contract for the mason work, his price being $4.00 per 1,000 brick laid in the wall, he furnished everything. Which seems low. The hotel was completed in 1822." This second building was destroyed by fire in 1890 and the Getman House was built on the site. Another of his projects was the brick dwelling house of Nathaniel W. Lull, standing on Main street. The brick used for this house were also the handiwork of Mr. Barnes.
Benjamin fought in the War of 1812 and saw action at Sackett's Harbor.
According to the 1850 census he was 65 years old so his birth is around 1785.
He died when he was 72 years old. His son, Dan first married Almedia 1828-1848 then Mary 1828-. Dan took over his father's businesses even though he was only 16. He worked for 6 years then sold out and moved to Port Huron, MI. Dan died in 1904.