A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
The Barnum Family, 1315-1907 calls him Elizah Barnum.
In the 1850 US Census for Charlotte, Chautauqua County, New York the family of Elijah P. Barnum was enumerated as follows:
Dwelling #3090; Family #3195
Elijah Barnum, 23, M, Farmer, Real property $2,000; b. New York
Eurette Barnum, 19, F, b. New York
Information from his obituary in the Hastings, Michigan Banner newspaper states that about 1844 he moved to Michigan with his parents. On 8 Dec 1855 he married Mrs Lucy Mallet Stevenson. He made numerous trips out west, the first of which was with his brother Henry and Eli Mallett. They went to California and didn't return for 2 years. During the 15 years after 1883 he made five more trips to California and took up homes in Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana, returning to Michigan in 1898. He also spent the winters of 1904 and 1905 in Portland, Oregon. He had 3 daughters but it is not known whether he took his wife and daughters with him on these journeys. His middle daughter, Jesse lived in Portland, Oregon at the time of her father's death.
He died of apoplexy. Historically, the word "apoplexy" was used to describe any sudden death that began with a loss of consciousness, especially one in which the victim died within a matter of seconds after losing consciousness. Sudden cardiac deaths, ruptured cerebral aneurysms, certain ruptured aortic aneurysms, and even heart attacks may have been described as apoplexy in the past.
From the Hastings Banner, 30 January 30 1907: Elijah Philley Barnum was born in Macdonia, Shanango county, New York, Jan. 5, 1828, where he lived the first 16 years of his life. In 1844 he came to Woodland, Mich., with his parents, locating on the farm now owned by J.C. Wagamon. In 1862 he in company with his brother Henry and Eli Mallett went to California, returning two years later, locating on the farm which has ever since been his home. Dec. 8, 1855 ic December 3, 1854) he was married to Mrs. Lucy Mallett Stevenson. In 1883 he gave up active work on the farm. During the following 15 years he made 5 trips to California and taking up temporary homes in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. In 1898 he returned to Michigan declaring that "Michigan my Michigan" was good enough for him and here with the exception of the winter of 1904 and '05 he spent in Portland, Oregon, he remained until his death.
Mr. Barnum was converted when about 17 years old, was baptized and united with the Baptist church. There for many years he was an earnest, active member of the church of his choice. Shortly before death he seemed to realize that the end of his earthly race was near and to a friend he said "I have a hope that we shall meet some day where loved ones meet to part no more," and with a warm clasp of the hand he said, "Yes I hope we shall met where we shall die no more." Mr. Barnum leaves besides his wife three daughters, Mrs. Ella Lee, of Woodland, Mrs. Jessie Seignor, of Portland, Ore, and Mrs. Jennie Kindsen of South Haven.
He died Thursday, Jan. 24, '07 at his home in Woodland. The funeral was held at the Baptist church near his home, Sunday, Jan. 27, Rev. Jarvis of Woodland officiating.
From the Hastings Banner, 30 January 1907: E.P. Barnum, an old and respected citizen of Woodland, passed away at his home southeast of the village last Thursday afternoon. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church, being conducted by Rev. C. D. Jarvis and Rev. John M. Smith. Among the out of town relatives who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Harry Knudson and family of South Haven and Mr. Mallett of Grand Ledge.
He was buried in Woodland Cemetery.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
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