John Barbour was born in Preston. He joined Preston North End in 1914. An inside-right he scored against Clapton Orient and Blackpool. Barbour also helped provide chances for leading scorer, Freddie Osborn. He only played in 12 Second Division games before the outbreak of the First World War.

Barbour joined the British Army and served with the Royal Engineers on the Western Front until his death on 6th April, 1916.