He was a Selectman in Shoreham, Vermont for three years; 1846-1848.
In the 1850 US Census for Shoreham, Addison County, Vermont the family of Jasper W. Barnum was enumerated as follows:
Dwelling #134; Family #167
Jasper Barnum, 52, M, Farmer, Real property $10,000, b. Vermont
Amanda Barnum, 50, F, b. Massachusetts
William Hitchcock, 15, M, Laborer, b. Vermont, Attended school within the year
Electa Roe, 8, F, b. New York, Attended school within the year