From the Detroit Conference Methodist Archives, Detroit Annual Conference Methodist Episcopal Church, Part VIII, Historical pages 103 and 104: Charles Wesley Barnum was born in Steuben County, N. Y., Sept. 8, 1847, and died at his home in Fenton, Mich., (Lake Fenton is how it is known), May 3, 1924, at the age of 76 years and 8 months.
He came with his parents to Michigan when a boy, 7 years of age and they settled at the head of Long Lake, (Known as Lake Fenton today), on what has been known as the Barnum Farm. He was married to Miss Almira M. O'Dell, Feb 15, 1871, one child being born as the fruit of this union, Miss Minnie Barnum.
Mr. Barnum received his license to preach in 1880, acting as supply pastor at Juddville that year, and in 1881 he was admitted on trial in the Detroit Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He came into full connection in 1883, in the same class with Claudius B. Spencer, Charles E. Hill, Benjamin Reeve, and P. R. Parrish, all of whom survive. That same year there were admitted on credentials from other churches, C. M. Thompson, J. D. Hubbell, and G. C. Squire, all still living.
Bro. Barnum was "a good man," in the Bible sense of that term. Modest, sincere, earnest, faithful, he had the love and confidence of the people he served and of his brethren in the ministry. His charges were: Hazelton, Goodrich, Lake Port, Brown City, Attica, Yale, Morrice, Swartz Creek, Linden, Clio, Hadley, Bennington, and Auburn.
Brother Barnum for 43 years was a good minister of Jesus Christ, 36 of these years were spent in the active work. He retired at the Conference of 1916 and went to his old boyhood home at Long Lake where he lived for 2 years. On account of heart trouble he moved with his family to Fenton 5 years ago where they have since resided. The deceased was the last of a family of ten children and leaves the widow and one daughter, Miss Minnie Barnum at home, and a great many friends among his former parishioners and also among the Fenton people who had come to know him.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church. In charge of the service was Pastor, Rev. G. W. Sower. Rev. J. B. Goss and Rev. C. M. Thompson, old time friends, spoke appreciative words of the life and ministry of Brother Barnum.
"No Disappointment in Heaven," a song well liked by the deceased was sung by request. The pall bearers were all former friends and brother ministers. Burial was made on the family lot in Oakwood cemetery. (Fenton, MI)
The following ministers, all members of Detroit Conference, attended the funeral: J. B. Goss, George Tripp, Harvey Pearce, C. C. Becker, C. E. Hill, S. A. Carey, J. B. Wallace, R. C. Scott, E. H. Wilcox, S. T. Bottrell, W. I. Francis, Henry Schofield, J. F. Black, and C. M. Thompson.
Birth: Sep. 8, 1847, Death: May 3, 1924. Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Fenton, Genesee County, Michigan, USA.