Born in Topsail, N.L., Arthur Barnes began teaching in Coley's Point when he was 17. His early teaching career included a year as vice-principal of Bishop Feild College in St. John's and several years as principal of Bay Roberts Academy.

Barnes entered politics in 1904 and represented the Harbour Grace district until 1908. For the next nine years he served as principal of the Church of England Normal School in St. John's. During this time, he attended New York University and completed his doctorate in 1917.

He re-entered politics in 1919 and was instrumental in the passing of the 1920 Education Act. The new Department of Education was formed with Barnes as Newfoundland’s first minister of Education.

As minister, he worked tirelessly to upgrade teacher qualifications and helped organize the new Normal School, which moved to the Parade Street campus in 1924, and Memorial University College in 1925.

He was the last surviving founding trustee and died at the age of 90 in Bay Roberts.

A bronze bust of Arthur Barnes is on display in the lobby of the Arts and Administration Building, St. John's campus. Barnes House, in Paton College, is named in his honour.