P. T. Barnum was born in Bethel, Connecticut on July 5th 1810. He later called himself a "Yankee doodle dandy, plus one." He was the oldest of five, all raised in a typical Connecticut saltbox house, which is an average, large house, is that still stands today. His father, Philo Barnum, dabbled in several trades. His father owned his own dry goods store. Barnum's mom, Irena Taylor, was a housewife. The family was moderately well off.

Barnum, as a child was influenced by a strict Protestant work ethic. He fallowed a type of Christianity called Congregationalism. Congregationalism was strict about working, learning and keeping yourself busy. Fun was a scarce commodity. About the only fun the church ever had were lotteries, but even those were rare. Also the town liked one-upping each other with outrageous pranks.

Phineas Taylor, who was Barnum's grandfather, was one of the most noto

In 1890 in the fall he suffered a stroke wich confined him to bed. Sadly in 1891 April 7th Barnum died in his sleep at his 17 acre estate. He was a genius in business and promotion. He will always be immortal and he will be known for creating the "Greatest Show On Earth."

rious jokers in Bethel and also one of the richest men. His longest running joke would be on Barnum. At the boys cresting, he deeded Barnum a piece of land called Ivy Island. For years Barnum herd stories about what a lucky young man he was to be given Ivy Island At the age of ten he set out to see the island himself. Barnum soon found out Ivy Island was named for poisoned ivy. It was an Island in the middle of swamp just east of Bethel. Barnum then learned that he was the unknowing butt of jokes for ten years. Barnum learned from this, although a bit angry, that people loved being humbugged.

In November 1842 Barnum discovered Charles Stratton. A five-year-old midget who became the biggest little legend in America. Extremely articulate for his age, Stratton gave the appearance of being much older. Barnum christened him General Tom Thumb. He was immediately exhibited at the museum and then on the road. Thought the 1840's the duo toured America while their reputation kept growing even though he didn't. Tom even met President James Polk. Barnum was way ahead of his time when it came to promoting and managing things. The team also toured Europe and Queen Victoria gave Tom Thumb a kiss on the cheek after he got on a latter. He was a huge moneymaker. They returned in 1848.

He got back into the circus business with vengeance. He spent all his time promoting his circus. He wrote children books and sold them. Barnum ordered tents with three rings instead of the traditional one ring circus. He could fit thousands of people. He made it bigger and better. In 1872 he decided to call his show the "Greatest Show On Earth." In 1873 Charity died. A year later he married Nancy Fish who was 24 years old. In 1875 he became mayor of Bridgeport. He even considered running for president. James Baily owned the largest competing circus. He teamed up with Baily in 1880. The Barnum and Baily circus was created.

In 1841 Barnum took his biggest gamble yet. He wanted to buy the nearly bankrupt American Museum in Manhattan. When the bank demanded more collateral than he had, he tried a ploy. He put up his Ivy Island deed. They signed sight unseen. At the age of 31 Barnum now owned a museum. The American Museum was turned into Barnum's Museum Menagerie. "I knew the only way to make millions from my patrons, was to give them an abundant and wholesome attractions for a small sum of money." Barnum charged a $.25 admissions fee. The attractions were abundant but not very wholesome. It was more like a circus sideshow. There were exotic and deformed animals, plus giants, dwarfs, sword swallowers, bearded ladies, contortionist, and human oddities. Some cl

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