A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
In 1867, Caleb bought the north half of Lot 26, Concession 9, Seymour Township. This was Crown Land, although apparently it was held in the name of the University of Toronto. On March 11, 1871, Caleb bought the south half of Lot 26, Concession 9 for $800.00 from the University of Toronto. The 1871 Canadian Census Index for Heads of Household shows: Barnum, Caleb; Sex: Male; Age: 63; Birthplace: Ontario; Religion: Methodist Episcopal; Origin: English; Occupation: Farmer; District: Northumberland East (055); Sub-district: Seymour (G); Division: 1; Page: 24; Microfilm reel: C-9986; Reference: RG31 - Statistics Canada. He was buried in Zion United Cemetery, Petherick's Corners, Seymour Township, Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada.
Wednesday, May 31, 1967. Campbellford Herald Newspaper. The Barnum Family: Recently, the contents of a book entitled "Genealogical Record of the Barnum Family" has become available to some members of the "Barnums". This book, published in 1909 in Massachusetts gives a complete record, opening with a conspectus of the old Barnham family of England extending from Sir Walter Barnham, 1377. The peerage lapsed in 1728 in default of male heirs. The founder of the American line was Thomas 1st, born in 1625. He became one of the very early settlers in the New England States at which time he altered the spelling of the family name to Barnum. One member of the 6th American generation was Phineas Taylor Barnum, who attained fame as the founder of the Barnum circus.
Of particular interest to Northumberland County was Colonel Eliakim Barnum. He was born in Franklin, N.Y., in 1784, and on his 24th birthday travelled to Upper Canada to visit his married sister at Grafton. Subsequently he bought property, married Hannah Ewing from Vermont and built the present Barnum House. This latter dwelling is now an historical museum for Northumberland County. The oldest living descendant of Eliakim is Harold G. Barnum of Port Credit, Ontario.
Seymour Township received a 7th generation Barnum in the person of Caleb, who in May 1867 bought the north half of lot 26, concession 9. This was crown land although apparently it was held in the name of the University of Toronto. Caleb's father, Leman, was a third cousin of P.T. Barnum and a third cousin of Col. Eliakim Barnum. Caleb Barnum married Agnes Reid and they had two sons, Daniel and Amos, as well as three daughters. The first dwelling was on the site of the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Irwin. On March 12, 1871, Caleb bought the south half of lot 26, concession 9 for $800, from the University of Toronto. This property passed to Amos Barnum who died at the age of 88 in 1935. It is a corner of this latter property that is being developed by the Rylstone Women's Institute as a Centennial Park. The ceremony for the dedication of this park is to be held on June 10. The oldest living male descendant of Caleb Barnum is Alfred Barnum, R.R. 2 Campbellford.
He was buried in Zion Cemetery.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
©1998, 2022. The format of this website and all original statements and narrative included on it are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Factual information may be freely quoted for use in private genealogical research when accompanied by a full source citation, including the date of acquisition. Click here to view the format of a citation for an Internet resource. The publication of large extracts from this site in any form requires prior written consent.
Page built by Gedpage Version 2.21 ©2009 on 21 November 2024