The Biographical Dictionary of America/Barnum, William H.

​BARNUM, William H., senator, was born at Lime Rock, Conn., Sept. 17, 1818. He was educated in the common schools, engaged in the iron business in 1836 and became interested in politics. He was elected a representative in the state legislature in 1852; was a delegate from Connecticut to the Union national convention in 1860, and was elected a representative in the 40th 41st, 42d, 43d, and 44th congresses, serving, 1867-'70. He was elected to the U.S. senate in 1876, to succeed J.E. English, elected governor of the state, and served until 1879. He was chairman of the Democratic national committee, 1876-'88. He died March 20, 1889.

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