William Emerson Barrett (December 29, 1858 – February 12, 1906) was an American journalist and politician who founded The Boston Evening Record was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and as a United States representative from Massachusetts.

Barrett was born in Melrose, Massachusetts on December 29, 1858. He attended public schools, and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1880. He was assistant editor of the St. Albans Daily Messenger, then joining the staff of The Boston Daily Advertiser. He was Washington correspondent of the newspaper 1882–1886. He was recalled to Boston to become editor in chief. In 1888 Barrett was promoted to chief proprietor and manager of The Boston Daily Advertiser and The Boston Evening Record.

Barrett was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1887 to 1892 and served as speaker the last five years. He was elected as a Republican to the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Congresses (March 4, 1895 – March 3, 1899). He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1898, and returned to Boston and resumed active management of his newspaper interests. Barrett served as president of the Union Trust Co. of Boston.

Barrett died of pneumonia in West Newton, Massachusetts on February 12, 1906. His interment was in Newton Cemetery.