He was born in Rowley Regis, on the 18th July 1874, father Joseph Barrs and his wife Mary from Embleton. Educated at Enderby, Stafford and was a Sett maker. He married on the 13th November 1898 Margaret Ann (Stanley Terrace, Embleton) daughter of Mark Appleby. They had six children Francis Alfred born 28th November 1900, Leslie born 7th August 1908, Joseph born 2nd June 1910, Margaret born 19th August 1904, Mary born 29th December 1912 and Hilda born 18th May 1915.

He enlisted on the 14th January 1918 and served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the 1st February.

He died at Gezaincourt, near Doullens 18th September 1918, from an accident sustained whilst on active service. He was buried in the British Cemetery at Bagneux.

Source: De Ruvigny Roll of Honour

He is remembered at Alnwick in A11.56 page 55, and Embleton E27.01

The Fallen of Embleton 1914-1918 page 63
The CWGC entry for Pioneer Barrs