In the 1850 US Census for L'Ance, Houghton County, Michigan the family of Reverend Nelson Barnum was enumerated as follows:
Dwelling #12; Family #12
Rufus C. Crane, 27, M, Methodist Clergyman, b. New York, Married within the year
Nelson Barnum, 34, M, Methodist Clergyman, b. Vermont
Natie Barnum, 32, F, b. Vermont
Edwin B. Barnum, 15, M, b. Michigan, Attended school within the year
He was a member of the Michigan Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Gravestone inscription: Member of Mich. Conference of the M. E. Church.