is there such thing as an independent rain barrel?

Answer 1

and independent rain barrel sits alone where all it catches is the rain that fall in it

most rain barrels sit on the edge of a building to catch the rain from a roof...
like under an eve or gutter
independent rain barrels take a lot longer to fill and are usually found in the middle of a field with water that is stagnate and full of mosquitoes

i cant seem to think of a single use for one

Answer 2

independent rain barrels were used as a way to measure rain fall. Hence they were placed out of the way so as not to be affected by buildings and structures and trees etc.

Answer 3

No, it is common knowledge that all rain barrels are republicans or libertarians.