From the Monessen Daily Independent, Monessen, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1947: Alvin P. Barnum, former Washington County commissioner died suddenly at this home in Allenport, Monday, July 14, 1947. He was 78. His wife Sophia Jones Barnum preceded him in death February 7, 1938. He was engaged in the grocery business in Allenport until 1912 when he was elected County Commissioner of Washington County which office he filled until 1920 being the first Democratic commissioner to serve two terms. He served on the Allenport School Board for 25 years; as Borough Secretary from the date of its incorporation until January 1946; as a delegate to the Democratic convention in Chicago in 1944; at present was serving as Trust Officer at the Washington County Court House member of the Democratic executive committee of Washington County and precinct chairman and board of auditors of Allenport borough. He is survived by one son. David R. Barnum and one daughter, Mary J. Barnum a member of the Charleroi High school faculty, two brothers, Samuel A. Barnum, California, Pa., and Francis R. Barnum, Columbus, Ohio and one sister, Mrs. Alice McGee, Allenport, Pa.