Born April 6, 1857, at Big Springs, Wisconsin. The family came to Highland township, Palo Alto county in the year 1873. He entered Emmetsburg High school in 1874 and following his graduation, he taught school for 14 years. He held a position as land/inspector for the American Investment Company of Emmetsburg and was appointed deputy county treasurer of Palo Alto county in the year of 1887. In 1892 he was elected county supervisor and was twice reelected to that office, resigning during the last year of his third term to run for state representative, on the Republican ticket, He was victorious and served in the 28th General Assembly of Iowa. In the year 1891, Mr. Barringer organized the Ruthven Savings bank and was also associated with, banks at Emmetsburg and Ayrshire. In 1918 he joined the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Iowa, became chairman of the finance committee of its grand lodge and also a member of the board of directors of that institution. He was also a director of a farm loan organization.