Richard Barnes (Newfoundland politician)

Richard Barnes (March 15, 1805 – September 3, 1846) was a native born businessman from St. John’s, Newfoundland. He represented Trinity Bay in the Newfoundland House of Assembly from 1842 to 1846.

The son of William Barnes and Hannah Butler, Barnes was largely self-educated and involved in the family business which was shipping and carpentry. In 1840, he entered politics and was a prominent founder of the Newfoundland Natives' Society. This can be considered one of the earliest manifestations of Newfoundland nationalism.

Barnes married Eunice Alice Morris in 1840. He died in office in St. John's at the age of 41.