A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
Dr. William L. Barnum, 81, the second dentist in Oregon to practice children's dentistry, died Wednesday (April 22, 1998) at his Medford home. A memorial service will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to Providence Community Health Foundation, Hospice, 1111 Crater Lake Ave., Medford, OR 97504, or a favorite charity. His pediatric dentistry in Portland was recognized nationally. Dr. Barnum's other interest - journalism - started while a junior high student in Medford. He was the first editor of the Medford Junior High News, at which time he originated the idea to use "Bulldogs" for the school's mascot. It is still used by McLoughlin Junior High School. He also was editor of "The Crater," the Medford Senior High School's annual in 1935. During his professional years, he was editor of the Oregon State Dental Journal, the professional dental fraternity's Xi Psi Phi Fraternity Quarterly, and other publications. He was born Nov. 12, 1916, in Medford, the son of William H. and Jessie Eifert Barnum. His mother was Miss Rogue River Valley in 1906. His father died in the 1918 influenza epidemic. His paternal grandfather, William S. Barnum, built the Grand Hotel in Medford in 1915 and was founder of the Rogue Valley Railroad between Medford and Jacksonville. His maternal grandfather, William W. Eifert, was Medford mayor in 1913. He suffered a fatal heart attack while in office. A great-grandfather, James H. Barnum. who is buried in the Ashland Cemetery, was a second cousin of P.T. Barnum, of circus fame [N.B., they were actually fourth cousins]. Dr. Barnum practiced pediatric dentistry in Portland from 1940 to 1960. He was chairman of the American Dental Association's Council on Journalism and established standards for state dental journals to follow. He also wrote numerous scientific articles in dentistry. From 1970 to 1991, he was secretary-treasurer of Xi Psi Phi, bringing the international office to Medford. During his active years he received honorary membership in the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He was president of the Southern Oregon District Dental Society 1969-1970 and served two years as a trustee of the Southern Oregon Historical Society. A Unitarian and a Mason, Dr. Barnum was a member of the Rotary Club in Portland and Medford for 30 years. On June 20, 1937, In Medford, he married Amy Elliott, who survives. Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a son, Robert E., Medford, four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His older son, William L. Jr., died Sept. 13, 1970, in an airplane crash. Arrangements: Perl Funeral Services - Siskiyou.
From the Medford Mail Tribune website, posted Apr. 27, 1998:
Barnum was pioneer in kids' dentistry.
Dr. William L. Barnum, 81, the second dentist in Oregon to practice children's dentistry, died Wednesday (April 22, 1998) at his Medford home. A memorial service will be held later.
Memorial contributions may be made to Providence Community Health Foundation, Hospice, 1111 Crater Lake Ave., Medford, OR 97504, or a favorite charity.
His pediatric dentistry in Portland was recognized nationally, Dr. Barnum's other interest, journalism, started while a junior high student in Medford. He was the first editor of the Medford Junior Hi News, at which time he originated the idea to use Bulldogs for the school's mascot. It is still used by McLoughlin Junior High School. He also was editor of The Crater, the Medford Senior High School's annual in 1935.
During his professional years, he was editor of the Oregon State Dental Journal, the professional dental fraternity's Xi Psi Phi Fraternity Quarterly, and other publications.
He was born Nov. 12, 1916, in Medford, the son of William H. and Jessie Eifert Barnum. His mother was Miss Rogue River Valley in 1906. His father died in the 1918 influenza epidemic. His paternal grandfather, William S. Barnum, built the Grand Hotel in Medford in 1915 and was founder of the Rogue Valley Railroad between Medford and Jacksonville. His maternal grandfather, William W. Eifert, was Medford mayor in 1913. He suffered a fatal heart attack while in office. A great-grandfather, James H. Barnum, who is buried in the Ashland Cemetery, was a second cousin of P.T. Barnum, of circus fame. [N.B., they were actually fourth cousins].
Dr. Barnum practiced pediatric dentistry in Portland from 1940 to 1963. In addition to teaching at the dental school, he was director of a nationally recognized dental program in the Portland public schools from 1946 to 1960.
He was chairman of the American Dental Association's Council on Journalism and established standards for state dental journals to follow. He also wrote numerous scientific articles in dentistry.
From 1970 to 1991, he was secretary-treasurer of Xi Psi Phi, bringing the international office to Medford. During his active years he received honorary membership in the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.
He was president of the Southern Oregon District Dental Society 1969-1970 and served two years as a trustee of the Southern Oregon Historical Society.
A Unitarian and Mason, Dr. Barnum was a member of the Rotary Club in Portland and Medford for 30 years.
On June 20, 1937, in Medford, he married Amy Elliott, who survives.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a son, Robert E., Medford; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His older son, William L. Jr., died Sept. 13, 1970, in an airplane crash.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
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