George S. Barnum

George Stone Barnum (September 26, 1819 – November 20, 1893) was an American businessman, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He served in both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature, representing Winnebago County in the Wisconsin Senate during the 1865 and 1866 sessions, and in the State Assembly during the 1860 and 1864 sessions.

Biography George S. Barnum was born in Monkton, Vermont, in September 1819.

He moved west to the Wisconsin Territory in the mid-1840s, settling initially in Fond du Lac County. He established a farm, but soon gave up that work to start a merchant business. He moved to a nearby settlement in the vicinity of what is now Waukau, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1868. For most of that time he was involved in milling in partnership with several other investors.

Barnum first ran for state office in 1859, running on the Republican Party ticket for Wisconsin State Assembly in Winnebago County's 3rd Assembly district. At the time his district comprised most of the southern half of Winnebago County. He faced no Democratic opponent in the general election and went on to represent the district in the 1860 legislative session. After his term in the Assembly, he was appointed to the board of the State Reform School, but resigned after a year. He was elected to another term in the Assembly in 1863, running on the National Union ticket. He ran again in the same district and again faced no Democratic opposition.

After his term in the Senate, Barnum moved to the nearby village of Winneconne, Wisconsin, where he remained for the rest of his life. There he was involved in dealing real estate and mortgages.

George S. Barnum married Mary P. Kinsley on January 6, 1842, at Monkton, Vermont. They had two children together.