It should be noted that The Barnum Family, 1350-1907 seems to have
confused this person with his brother, Alanson Barnum (1799-1804).
Alanson was a hatter. After his marriage he took his wife to live in Jamesville, in DeWitt, New York, for a little more than two years; Lodi, New York, three years; Syracuse, New York, about two years; and they went to Michigan on 12 August 1845, and settled in Groveland, where Alanson died. While in Michigan he worked as a carpenter, taught vocal music, was a justice of the peace for four years, and was a member of the Methodist Church. He was a kind-hearted, benevolent man, beloved by all who knew him.
'The Barnum Family, 1350-1907' gives him a birth date of 9 Aug 1804.