A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
Charlee Wilson calls him Zenas Barnum and notes that he was an "extensive farmer, merchant, distiller and contractor of Pittston, Pennsylvania." Zenus bought quite a bit of river-front land during the early 1800s, and he also owned stores in Tunkhannock, Pittston and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
From The Gleaner and Luzerne Advertiser Pennsylvania), a Friday evening publication, published by Miner & Rutler, 20 Dec 1811: Notice - The subscribers have entered into partnership, under the firm of Barnum and Fell. For the regulation of their concerns, all persons having unsettled accounts with Zenus Barnum, are invited to call and make settlement with the least possible delay. Zenus Barnum and Aaron Fell, Pittston.
From The Gleaner and Luzerne Advertiser Pennsylvania), 7 Feb. 1812: A short time ago the Grist-Mill and Saw-Mill, and about 30,000 feet of boards, belonging to Zenas BARNUM, of Lackawanna, were consumed by fire. The loss is estimated at about 3000 dollars. This loss of an industrious man, stripping him of the labours of his life, must be severely felt. What renders the situation of Mr. BARNUM, more peculiarly distressing, is that it is but a year or two since his house, was consumed. In other places, when a worthy citizen suffers severely by an accident of this kind, it is customary for the people to unite, and to make up a considerable portion of his loss. Are the people of Luzerne less humane and generous than their neighbors? It is earnestly recommended that a subscription should be circulated in each township, and be divided between Mr. BARNUM and Mr. MURRAY (whose house burned about the same time) in proportion to their losses.
18 Dec 1812: Notice - The partnership of BARNUM and FELL, is this day dissolved by mutual agreement. All persons indebted to said firm are requested to make immediate payment to Zenus BARNUM. Zenus BARNUM & Aaron FELL, Pittston. Dec. 1812.
In the 1850 US Census for District 131, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania the family of Zenus Barnum was enumerated as follows:
Dwelling #109; Family #114
Zenas Barnum, 68, M, W, Farmer, Real property $30,000, b. Connecticut
Elizabeth Barnum, 61, F, W, b. Pennsylvania
Elizabeth S. Barnum, 30, F, W, b. Pennsylvania
Zenas Barnum, 26, M, W, Student, b. Pennsylvania
Ruth S. Barnum, 20, F, W, b. Pennsylvania, Attended school within the year
Mary, 45, F, Black, Birthplace not known
Pittston Township is now located within Luzerne County, which was created from a part of Northumberland County on September 25, 1786.
He was buried in Hollenbeck Cemetery.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
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