William Henry BARNUM, Congress, CT (1818-1889)

BARNUM William Henry , a Representative and a Senator from Connecticut; born in Boston Corner, Columbia County, N.Y., September 17, 1818; attended the common schools; apprenticed to the trade of iron founder and subsequently admitted to partnership by his father, who was engaged in the iron business at Lime Rock, Conn.; member, State house of representatives 1851-1852; elected as a Democrat to the Fortieth and to the four succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1867, until May 18, 1876, when he resigned to become Senator; elected to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Orris S. Ferry and served from May 18, 1876, to March 3, 1879; chair, Democratic National Committee 1876-1889; resumed his former manufacturing pursuits; died at Lime Rock, Litchfield County, Conn., April 30, 1889; interment in the Lime Rock Cemetery in Salisbury, Conn.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present