Early Life and Family Background
Helen Maria Hurd (née Barnum) was born on April 18, 1840, in Danbury, Connecticut. She was the second daughter of showman Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810–1891) and Charity Hallett Barnum (1808–1873). Raised in a household characterized by both entrepreneurial ambition and domestic virtue, Helen shared her childhood home with three sisters:
| Name | Birth–Death | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Caroline Cornelia Barnum Thompson | 1833–1911 | Eldest sister |
| Frances Irena Barnum | 1842–1844 | Younger sister (died) |
| Pauline Taylor Barnum | 1846–1877 | Youngest sister |
At age 10, Helen witnessed her father’s expansion from a local curiosities museum into an international circus empire—experience that informed her later approach to both wealth and public service.
Marriage to Samuel Henry Hurd
On October 20, 1857, at age 17, Helen married Samuel Henry Hurd (b. November 3, 1827; d. May 7, 1898) of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Samuel was initially a leather goods entrepreneur who later assumed roles as treasurer and assistant manager of Barnum’s circus operations. The Hurd household produced three daughters:
| Daughter | Date of Birth | Date of Death | Spouse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helen Barnum Hurd | November 12, 1858 | September 11, 1933 | Frank W. Rennell (m. 1883) |
| Julia Caroline Hurd | July 30, 1860 | 1894 | Henry Peck Clarke |
| Caroline Thompson Hurd | 1862 | 1883 | — |
The family maintained residences in Bridgeport until 1871 and frequently traveled to New York City for circus business.
Divorce and Second Marriage to William Harmon Buchtel
In early 1871, after 13 years of marriage, Helen and Samuel obtained a legal divorce. On March 2, 1871, Helen married Dr. William Harmon Buchtel (b. 1845), brother of Henry A. Buchtel, who later became chancellor of the University of Denver. Following her second marriage, Helen relocated to Denver, Colorado, where she would spend the next 44 years.
Life in Denver and Civic Engagement
Settling in Denver circa April 1871, Helen quickly integrated into the city’s social and philanthropic circles. Her activities included:
- Board Membership: Appointed to the Denver Orphans’ Home board in 1875.
- Parish Involvement: Active member of St. John’s Parish from 1872 onward.
- Charitable Endowments: Funded scholarships at the University of Denver beginning in 1880.
- Patriotic Society: Joined the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1890.
Helen’s home at 635 Emerson Street became a hub for fundraisers; between 1875 and 1900, she hosted more than 25 public events benefiting local orphanages and hospitals.
Inheritance and Wealth Management
As the only surviving daughter of P. T. Barnum at the time of his death in April 1891, Helen inherited assets valued at approximately $250,000 (equivalent to over $7 million in 2025 dollars). Key holdings included:
| Asset Type | Quantity/Value |
|---|---|
| Denver land parcels | 120 acres |
| Circus memorabilia | 1,500 items |
| Cash and securities | $100,000 |
| Barnum’s museum shares | 30% stake |
Between 1892 and 1905, Helen sold 90 acres of her Denver landholdings, financing the construction of a wing at the Denver Orphans’ Home in 1906.
Notable Family Members
Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810–1891)
- Founder of Barnum & Bailey Circus
- Served as mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1875
- Connecticut state legislator, 1865–1866
Charity Hallett Barnum (1808–1873)
- I married P.T. Barnum on September 13, 1829.
- Managed domestic affairs and raised four daughters
Caroline Cornelia Barnum Thompson (1833–1911)
- Married David W. Thompson in 1852
- Mother of Phineas Taylor Barnum Thompson (d. 1868) and Francis B. Thompson Leigh (1853–1939)
Samuel Henry Hurd (1827–1898)
- Leather entrepreneur turned circus executive
- Died May 7, 1898, in New York City
William Harmon Buchtel (1845–1904)
- Practicing physician in Denver
- Brother to Denver University chancellor Henry A. Buchtel (1914–1918).
Key Dates Overview
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Birth of Helen Maria Barnum | April 18, 1840 |
| Marriage to Samuel Henry Hurd | October 20, 1857 |
| Births of three daughters | 1858, 1860, 1862 |
| Divorce from Samuel Hurd | January 1871 |
| Marriage to William Harmon Buchtel | March 2, 1871 |
| Move to Denver, Colorado | April 1871 |
| Appointment to Denver Orphans’ Home board | 1875 |
| Inheritance from P. T. Barnum’s estate | April 1891 |
| Sale of Denver land | 1892–1905 |
| Funding of orphanage wing | 1906 |
| Death of Helen Maria Buchtel | December 11, 1915 |
FAQ
Who were Helen Maria Hurd’s parents?
Her parents were Charity Hallett Barnum (1808–1873) and Phineas Taylor Barnum (1810–1891).
How many times did Helen marry?
She married twice: Samuel Henry Hurd in 1857 and Dr. William Harmon Buchtel in 1871.
How many children did Helen Maria Hurd have?
Helen had three daughters: born in 1858, 1860, and 1862.
What inheritance did she receive from her father?
Upon her father’s death in April 1891, she inherited land, museum shares, memorabilia, and cash totaling approximately $250,000.
Where did Helen spend her later years?
Since April 1871, she lived in Denver, Colorado, until her death on December 11, 1915.
What civic roles did she hold in Denver?
She served on the Denver Orphans’ Home board, supported St. John’s Parish, endowed scholarships, and joined the Daughters of the American Revolution.
When did Helen Maria Hurd die?
At 75, she died in Denver on December 11, 1915.
What became of her Denver land holdings?
She sold 90 of her 120 acres for charity between 1892 and 1905.
