A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
Ephraim K. Barnum was an officer in the 2d Infantry, US Army, eventually reaching the rank of major.
As a lieutenant, Ephraim told the story of a Creek Indian whose father was a guide to Jackson in the Seminole War. He graduated well at West Point and received his commission, but upon receiving a furlough to visit his friends he returned at once to the dress and manners of a savage. He became a drunkard and, although he lived but a few miles from the fort and many young officers in his neighborhood sought to reclaim him, they rarely saw him again.
From: History of Oneida County, New York: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Philadelphia: Everts & Fariss, 1878: Utica (NY) Citizens' Corps. Forty-one years ago a few gentlemen of military taste conceived the idea of forming a military company in the then young city of Utica. The project was favorably received by the young burghers, and in a short time the company was formed...on Dec. 17, 1837. The gentleman who was chiefly instrumental in bringing about this result was Captain E. K. Barnum, of the United States Army, who was stationed here in command of a detachment of Government troops. He was eminently successful, and in a brief space of time had as neat and trim a company as the State of New York contained. After a little over two years' service as commander, Captain Barnum was compelled to resign, being ordered to another post by his superior officers [N.B., He was ordered to Florida, to take part in the Second Seminole war]. Deep regret was felt at his removal, as the company became greatly attached to their faithful commander.
Extract of an official letter from E. K. Barnum, sent during the Second Seminole war:
Head Quarters, Okefenokee District
Fort Moniac, E. F. [East Florida] 5 April 1840
I have the honor to transmit herewith a Field return of Troops in the Okefenokee District for the Month of March 1840.
No signs of Indians have been discovered within the district since my last report.
Capt. Bird reports from Fort Gilmer dated yesterday that "Lieut. Rain returned a few days since from a scout on the Suwanootchee ― he states that he requested the inhabitants of that place to shew the signs of Indians, as likewise the stock which they reported had been killed. He says that they failed completely to shew any sign".
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
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