David M. Barnum died February 26, 1926 at Morrison, Whiteside County, Illinois (Illinois Death Index). From the Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, February 27, 1926: David M. Barnum passed away at his home on West Winfield Street, Morrison at 6:40 o’clock Friday morning after an acute illness of a week’s duration. His illness started with an attack of influenza and resulted in brain complications which baffled the skills of local physicians and specialists who were called from other cities.
Mr. Barnum was born in Smethport, Pennsylvania November 3, 1860. His early life was spent in Pennsylvania where he learned the carpenter trade from his father. He came to the vicinity of Morrison with his family in 1870 where he had since resided. In October of the year 1890, he was he was united in marriage to Mrs. Libbie Myers who preceded him in death in September 1915. His second marriage was solemnized March 27, 1919 at which time he was married to Mrs. Lena Matson who survives him. He also leaves two brothers Rev. Frank Barnum of Rogers Park and Fred C. Barnum of Morrison; also one sister, Mrs. Blanche Steele of Dexter, Missouri.
Mr. Barnum was a contractor and a builder of great ability…Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, Illinois.