From the Utica Daily Press, Thursday, March 15, 1938: Mrs. Frances Merrell Barnum, 84, died yesterday in her home in Utica where she had lived over 60 years. She was born in Utica, a daughter of the late George and Caroline Clapp Merrell, descendant of early Plymouth, Massachusetts settlers. Her marriage to George N. Barnum took place in 1875. He died six years ago. She leaves a daughter, (Mabel) Mrs. John M. Brown and a granddaughter, Priscilla Alden Brown both of Utica.