I'M sure you have heard of Phineas T. Barnum, the famous American circus owner, whose life story was made into the musical Barnum.
Do you know, though, that he came to Bolton several times? His host was Mr James Smethurst, 80, Chorley New Road, father of Charles Smethurst who was related by marriage to Barnum's second wife.
In 1877 Barnum lectured at St George's Road Congregational Church School. His theme was "The World and How to Live in It".
Five years later he opened an industrial exhibition in Mawdsley Street School. Later, he again lectured at St. George's Road, and also paid a private visit to his relatives. Barnum died in 1891.
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