A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
Judah Barnum wrote his will on 4 May 1774 and it was entered into probate on 7 Jun 1790. An inventory of real and personal property was submitted on 3 Jul 1790. In his will he named his beloved wife Lydia, son Judah Barnum Jr. [eldest], son Aaron Barnum, and daughter Lydia Barnum. Judah Barnum Jr. was named sole executor of the estate.
Judah’s will confirmed that he had a wife Lydia, and three children – Judah Barnum Jr (eldest son), Aaron Barnum (youngest son) and daughter Lydia. Danbury, Fairfield, Connecticut Probate 5:529-30.
Judah’s property was in the northwest section of Danbury, part lying on the New Fairfield town line. It was identified in the deeds as ‘Kingstreet’ and ‘Titicus’. To the west about 2 miles was the town of Southeast, Dutchess [now Putnam] County, New York.
On 27 Aug 1784, Judah sold portions of his property to his two sons, Judah Jr. and Aaron. Danbury, Connecticut Deeds 3:109-110.
Neighbors whose property abutted Judah’s included Matthew Linley/Lindsley & Joseph Barnum.
Judah was stated to have been 73 years old when he died in May 1790, thus born about 1716-7.
The will of Judah Barnum reads as follows:
In the name of God Amen. The fourth day of May A. D. 1774.
I Judah Barnum of Danbury in the County of Fairfield in New England, a Husbandman, being through the mercy of God in a good measure of health and of a sound mind & memory yet knowing the uncertainty of the present life and being desired that peace and good order might be kept up and maintained in my family after I am gone the way of all the earth, as is herein after mentioned.
           I Will that all my just debts and necessary charges for my interment be well and truly paid.
           I Will unto my well beloved Wife Lydia Barnum the one third of all my Lands during her natural life; and after her decease to return to my two Sons Judah and Aaron Barnum: also one third of my moveable estate.
           I Will unto my eldest Son Judah Barnum Junr the one half of all my Lands, except the one half of my Wife’s thirds of land which She is to have the use of her lifetime. And I do make my son Judah my only Executor of my last Will and Testament.
           I Will unto Aaron Barnum my youngest Son the other half of my Lands, except the half of my Wife’s thirds of land which She is to have the use of her life time.
           Also I Will unto my daughter Lydia Barnum one half as much in value as I gave to one of my Sons, which is to be paid out of my moveable Estate; and if the moveables is insufficient then my Will is that my two Sons Judah and Aaron Shall pay my Daughter their equal parts till they make her good so as to be equal with one half of one of my Sons in value. This is my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal to the above day and date.
Signed Sealed & published by the within named //Judah Barnum//Â Seal
Judah Barnum to be his last Will and Testament,
In presence of us
Matthew Wilkes       Â
Matthew Lindley Junr
John Barnum
Recorded June 8th 1790
Judah’s property was right in the middle of property held by at least three sons of Deacon Richard Barnum (1675-aft 14 jan 1739) ̶ Captain John, Nathaniel, and Joseph, plus Matthew Lindsley, Jr. It was located in the northwesterly part of Danbury, near Kingstreet and Titicus, and abutted the New Fairfield town line.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
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