A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
Royal Barnum and his brother William J. Barnum were at one time directors of the United States Fire Insurance Company, based at West Potsdam, New York.
In the 1850 US Census for Potsdam, Saint Lawrence County, New York the family of Royal Barnum was enumerated as follows:
Dwelling #472; Family #509
Royal Barnum, 30, M, Farmer, Real property $4,200, b. New York
Mary Barnum, 28, F, b. Vermont
Louisa Barnum, 5, F, b. New york, Attended school within the year
Leslie Barnum, 3, M, b. New York, Attended school within the year
Jenny Lind Barnum, 1, F, b. New York
From the American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-made Men, by F. A. Barnard, Western Biographical Publishing Co., Cincinnati: 1878: Barnum, Royal, of Adrian, late President of the Michigan State Insurance Company, Adrian, Michigan, was born in Potsdam, Saint Lawrence County, New York, January 2, 1817. His parents were David and Betsey (Jones) Barnum, early settlers of New York State. His father, a man of great natural ability, was a farmer; he held offices of trust, both in town and county, and his sterling sense and sound judgment were often useful in the settlement of disputes of various natures. Royal Barnum was educated in Potsdam, where he received a thorough classical education. At the age of twenty-five, he engaged in the insurance business; and continued in this until 1859, when he removed to Michigan. At Adrian, in the spring of 1859, he organized the State Insurance Company. He acted as Secretary of the company until a few months before his death, and was a large stockholder. From the first year of his residence in Adrian, Mr. Barnum took an active part in all public affairs, often leading in church or public enterprises, and aiding by his sound advice and earnest enthusiasm. He was a man to lead public opinion; he never hesitated to differ from any other, where he saw fair reason for such difference. He was a man of original ideas, who never stood upon neutral ground; but, upon all questions which claimed his attention, he had an opinion of his own, and words to express it. Whenever called upon, he had some original suggestions to offer; and those who knew him best placed high value upon his advice. Mr. Barnum hail great natural and acquired business talent. The great success of the Michigan Stale Insurance Company, as a corporation, has been mainly giving to his constant and untiring labors. When the last election of officers was held, only a few weeks before his death, he declined the office of Secretary, on account of ill health; and was elected to the more honorable, but less laborious, office of President. He filled for some time, with great ability, the office of President of the Public School Board, a position of honor and responsibility. He was also connected with the worthy enterprise of erecting a soldiers' monument, taking an active and leading part. On several occasions, he acted as Secretary for the Association; and, at public meetings, and also through the press, urged the propriety and the necessity of the undertaking. Personally, Mr. Barnum had many friends,— perhaps, also, some enemies; but none that knew him well could fail to admire his frank, outspoken zeal. He was a man of untiring energy; his disregard of personal comfort, and his devotion to his business, drew heavily upon the resources of a constitution never robust, and made the work of disease comparatively easy. He was a regular attendant of the Congregational Church, to which he contributed liberally. He was a Whig in politics, until the formation of the Republican party. As he bought no office or favor for himself, his influence was powerful whenever it was exerted. He married, August 31, 1842, Mary Pease, of Charlotte, Vermont. He died February 5, 1866, leaving a wife and three children to mourn a kind husband and father.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
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