From the North Adams Transcript, Massachusetts, November 20, 1961: Committal services for Lester E. Barnum, 68, of Springfield, native of Adams, who died Thursday in Deaconess Hospital, Boston, took place this afternoon in Maple Street Cemetery. The Rev. Alfred B. Perry, pastor of the First Methodist Church of North Adams, officiated. Funeral services had taken place at 11 a. m. at the Ratell Funeral Home in Springfield, with the Rev. Albert McMickle, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Springfield officiating
Mr. Barnum was born here, son of Charles and Leona (Bassette) Barnum, but had been a resident of Springfield and Indian Orchard for 40 years. He formerly, owned and managed the National House Hotel in Indian Orchard for 26 years, retiring three years ago. A World War I veteran, he was a member of the American Legion and also of the Blue Ridge Mountain Forest Assn. of Leydon, N. H. Besides his wife, the former Nancy Lynch, he leaves a daughter, Mrs. Eugene Sharon of Ludlow; a brother, Earl, of Springfield; a sister, Mrs. Hazel Geissler of Springfield; and four grandchildren.