From the History of Monkton Vermont, "John Barnum, from Litchfield, Conn., came to Monkton with his father, Ebenezer, in 1786, being then five years of age. He subsequently married Abby Dean, with whom he spent a happy married life of sixty-six years, having a family of six girls and four boys. He served the town in various offices, and stood guard sixteen days during the War of 1812. He possessed a brilliant mind and wonderful memory. Died in 1878, aged ninety-eight years. The Barnums are relations of P.T. Barnum, 'the greatest showman on earth'." [N.B., John Barnum and Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum were third cousins once removed].
In the 1850 US Census for Monkton, Addison County, Vermont the family of John A. Barnum was enumerated as follows:
Dwelling #6; Family #6
John Barnham, 67, M, Farmer, Real porperty $3,000, b. Connecticut
Abigail Barnham, 65, F, b. Connecticut
Octava Barnham, 26, F, b. Vermont
Elizabeth Barnham, 23, F, b. Vermont
Theren Roscoe, 18, M, Laborer, b. Vermont
Death: Feb. 4, 1879; Family links: Children: Arlan Barnum (1813 - 1830); Spouse: Abigail Barnum ( - 1867). Burial: Beers Cemetery, Monkton, Addison County, Vermont, USA.