A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
Thomas was a Black slave who purchased his freedom in 1847 and subsequently worked to free his wife and children. He had been owned by a man named Josiah Davis. Thomas’ 1847 deed of manumission reported his surname as “Bonham” and on the 1860 census his name was spelled “Bonum”. From that time onward his surname and that of his children is spelled Barnum.
In the 1860 US Federal Census for Williamsport District, Washington, Maryland, the family of Thomas was enumerated as follows:
Dwelling 665, Family 755
Thomas Bonum, 44, Male, Mulatto, Farmer, Value of Real Estate $6000, Value of Personal Estate $600, Born Maryland
Moses Bonum, 19, Male, Black, Farm Laborer, Born Maryland
Wiliam Bonum, 12, Male, Black, Born Maryland
Maria Williams, 35, Female, Black, Born Maryland
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
©1998, 2022. The format of this website and all original statements and narrative included on it are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Factual information may be freely quoted for use in private genealogical research when accompanied by a full source citation, including the date of acquisition. Click here to view the format of a citation for an Internet resource. The publication of large extracts from this site in any form requires prior written consent.
Page built by Gedpage Version 2.21 ©2009 on 07 February 2025