William N. Barrett

William Nathan Barrett (November 24, 1855 – December 16, 1916) was an American politician and lawyer in Oregon. A native of Washington County, he served in both chambers of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, including three different times in the Oregon House. A Republican, he was also a three time mayor of Hillsboro, Oregon.

Early life William Barrett was born in Washington County, Oregon, to Eliza Jane Barrett (née Purdin) and William R. Barrett on November 24, 1855. There he attended the local public schools before attending Tualatin Academy in Forest Grove, Oregon, for his secondary education. He returned to the House in 1891.

In 1896, he was elected as the 15th different person to be mayor of Hillsboro. Barrett was also the first to serve consecutive terms, holding office from December 8, 1896, until December 5, 1899. After a few years away from the mayor's office, he returned as mayor and served from December 2, 1902, to December 15, 1903, when he was succeeded by Benjamin P. Cornelius. The Republican was then elected to the Oregon State Senate in 1908 and served in the regular and special sessions of 1909. He continued his four-year term at the 1911 secession when his district included Washington, Yamhill, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties.

Later years

In 1915, he returned to the office of mayor for Hillsboro, assuming the position on January 5 and serving until his death.