Helen Maria Barnum, the second daughter of Phineas Taylor and Charity (Hallett) Barnum, was born April 18, 1840. She married Samuel Henry Hurd, owner of a leather business, Oct. 20, 1857, and they had three daughters, Caroline, Helen and Julia. They were married at the home of her sister Caroline. Hurd eventually became the treasurer and assistant manager of Barnum's circus. In 1871, Helen shocked her family and friends when she divorced Hurd and married Dr. William H. Buchtel. They moved to Denver, Colorado. Custody of the children was awarded to Hurd. Helen and her father were at odds over her divorce and remarriage, but they remained close in their relationship. She died in 1920.