In some sources he is referred to as Léon Albert Dujardin and in others as Albert Wilson Barnum. Several questions have arisen as a result of his use of those two names. Was he a son of Joseph Dujardin or of Amos Barnum?
León/Albert was born while his mother was married to Joseph Dujardin and the birth information found in several sources suggests that the birth was legitimate.
He was one year old when his mother married Amos Barnum and he was raised as though Amos was his father. Thus, he obviously developed a close relationship with his stepfather. He remained with Amos in later years, even after his mother returned to Europe with her other two sons. Did Amos eventually adopt him? No source has been found to either confirm or deny that conjecture, and the question remains open.