A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
Transcribed from the 1919 book, The History of Fresno County, California, with Biographical Sketches, by Paul E. Vandor in two volumes from The Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California: Charles E. Barnum. Distinguished among those whose integrity, experience and enterprise have contributed much to advance the permanent interests of Fresno and its neighboring districts, is Charles E. Barnum, county auditor and a Native Son of the Golden West, proud indeed of the development of the great commonwealth where he first saw the light of day. His father, Horace E. Barnum, now deceased, (whose life story is given elsewhere in this historical work), farmed for a while on coming to the Coast; but moving to Fresno, he was elected county auditor and held that office, with signal ability and unusual distinction, for twenty years, relinquishing the responsibility only at his death on June 15, 1914. His mother, who was Mary. E. Deering before her marriage, is still living.
Born in Tulare County, on August 16, 1887, Charles E. Barnum was educated at the public grammar and high schools. When he laid aside his school books in 1908, he entered the county auditor's office as a deputy to his fattier; and he continued to assist him until the latter's death, when he was appointed auditor by the Board of Supervisors. He took up the work of his father and was a candidate for election, and at the primaries he was elected over all candidates by a majority of some 6,000 votes. In 1918, he was again a candidate and was elected, this time by a majority of over 12,000 votes, to hold office till January, 1923, showing the confidence his fellow citizens repose in him.
Mr. Barnum was married in Fresno to Miss Hazel M. Alexander, a native of Seattle, but who was reared in Fresno, and who enjoys here the admiration and good will of a wide circle of friends.
A Republican, always active in politics, Mr. Barnum has never permitted party affiliation to stand in his way of supporting the best local measures, while he has always conducted the official affairs entrusted to him in the broadest and most vigorous spirit.
Besides these qualifications which have fitted him especially for exacting public responsibility, Mr. Barnum enjoys personal traits which render him popular socially. He is a familiar figure in the Elks, the Native Sons and the Independent Order of Foresters, a member of the Baptist Church, and both a live wire and a level-headed leader in the Commercial Club.
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
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