History of Jamesville, (Onondaga County) New York United States of America

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Henry A. Barnum, soldier, was born at Jamesville, N.Y., Sept. 24, 1833. He was educated at the Syracuse institute, graduated in 1856, and admitted to the bar in 1860. In 1861 he volunteered as a private in the 12th New York volunteer regiment. He was commissioned captain and fought in the battle of Bull Run, and during the Peninsular campaign. For his services in these engagements he received the rank of major. At the battle of Malvern Hill he served on the staff of General Butterfield, was wounded and left on the field for dead, he was found by the Confederates, taken prisoner, and confined in Libby prison, from which he was liberated in July, 1862. Soon after his release he was promoted colonel, and commanded his regiment in the battles of Gettysburg and Lookout mountain, and also throughout the Atlanta campaign, being wounded at Lookout mountain, where his regiment captured eleven battle flags. Before Atlanta he was again wounded, and on Sherman's famous march to the sea Colonel Barnum was commander of a brigade. In 1865 he was made major-general of volunteers "for his gallantry and fearlessness during the entire war," and resigned from the volunteer army in January, 1866, refusing a commission as colonel in the regular army. He was elected inspector of state prisons in New York, and in 1869 was made deputy tax-commissioner, holding the office three years. In 1885 he was elected to the state assembly, and was afterwards appointed harbor master of the port of New York, where he served five years, having been reappointed to the office in 1889 by President Harrison. Congress, by special vote in 1890, awarded him a pension of one hundred dollars per month, that being the largest pension ever allowed an officer of his rank. He died in New York city Jan. 29, 1892.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Jamesville, (Onondaga County) New York

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