Barney was a taylor. He was a small man and spoke with a strong southern accent with lots of accompanying sibilant noises. He was a magician, comic and general entertainer. A kind of boy who never grew up. He didn't drink but often behaved like a man who had. He was friendly with Vincent Maher. He was a gifted though, some thought, irresponsible player since he was apt to clown around and lose games to weaker players towards the end of a tournament if he thought first place was beyond his reach.