According to his WWI draft registration Ralph Barnum was born January 12, 1889 in Hiawatha, Kansas. He died December 24, 1963 in Mercedes, Texas. After his first wife’s death in 1954, he married Mamie unknown.
From the Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas, December 25, 1963: Mercedes, Texas- Ralph Barnum, 74, died at his home here Tuesday morning. Mr. Barnum was born in Hiawatha, Kansas and had lived here for the last 15 years. He was a farmer. Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Mamie Barnum of Mercedes; one son, Harley Barnum of Mercedes; a brother, Carl Barnum of Kansas City, Mo.; and sister, Mrs. Pearl Barnett of Waverly, Neb. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Weslaco.