Bartlett, Emery S.

BARTLETT, CHILD, STEVENS, KNAPP, DOUGLAS

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 11/29/2012 at 07:00:12

For fifty-five years a resident of Grinnell, Emery S. Bartlett may truly be designated as a pioneer. He has been a witness of a marvelous transformation in this section of the state and has to the extent of his ability assisted in the accomplishment of the great work which has made Poweshiek county one of the most desirable places of abode in the entire commonwealth. He was born at Bath, New Hampshire, September 7, 1832, son of Stephen N. and Theodosia (Child) Bartlett. The father, who was also a native of Bath, was born December 1, 1802, upon the old homestead which he inherited from his father. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Adam Bartlett who lived in England in the ninth century. The first of the family to come to America was John Bartlett, who in company with two brothers, Richard and Thomas, crossed the Atlantic in 1620. The old homestead of several thousand acres in Sussexshire, is still in possession of the family.

Stephen N. Bartlett came with his family to Grinnell in 1855 and located upon government land, becoming one of the leading residents of this part of the county. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding September 23, 1874. Originally a whig in politics, he became a republican upon the organization of that party and so continued during the remainder of his life. While a resident of New Hampshire he was a prominent factor in his party's councils, serving in various local offices and also as representative in the state legislature. On coming to Poweshiek county he refused to take an active part in political affairs and devoted his attention to his business. He was for many years a deacon n the Congregational church and lived a true Christian life. He passed away November 15, 1879, his faithful wife following him January 31, 1882. They will long be remembered as worthy representatives of the early settlers of this county.

Emery Bartlett was reared in New Hampshire and educated in the public schools of that state. As he grew to manhood he read with interest the stories told by travelers of the wonderful opportunities in the great west, and at twenty-one years of age he started toward the setting sun, coming as far as Michigan where he became a student of Olivet College. In the spring of 1854 he went to Wisconsin and spent the summer in the vicinity of Beaver Dam. On he 26th of September, 1854, he arrived in Grinnell. The future metropolis of Poweshiek county was then a town in prospect only. The survey had been made but improvements existed only in the minds of the projectors. Mr. Bartlett was greatly pleased with the location and acquired land in Grinnell township, superintending its development while making his home in Grinnell. He first lived in the old Long home, just across the street from his present residence. He conducted a meat market for twenty years and for a number of years has been living retired. He still owns forty-seven acres of land in Grinnell township and property in the city but has disposed of most of his farmland.

In 1855 Mr. Bartlett returned to Bath, New Hampshire, and on the 11th of December of the same year was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Stevens, who was born in Lyman, New Hampshire, a daughter of Michael M. and Stella (Knapp) Stevens. They celebrated their golden wedding December 11, 1905. Three children were born to them, namely: Arthur W., who was graduated from Grinnell College in 1888 and is now living in Oregon; Stella T., who is at home and is a graduate of Moody Institute, Chicago; and Catherine H., also a graduate of Grinnell College and now the wife of Rev. Truman O. Douglas, who was graduated from Harvard University and is pastor of the North Park Congregational church of Des Moines. Mrs. Bartlett died May 4, 1907, and was buried in the cemetery at Grinnell. She was a woman of many estimable qualities, who in the course of a long and useful career made many friends in this county.

Mr. Bartlett was one of the charter members of the Congregational church in this city, being now the only representative of that group living in Grinnell. He served as chairman of the trustees and also for several years as deacon of the church. Politically he gives his support to the republican party, of which he has been an adherent ever since its organization. He has never sought public office but as a member of the city council he accomplished much good for the permanent interests of the city. With one exception he has been a resident of Grinnell longer than any other of its citizens. He has been successful in his business affairs, his efforts having yielded generous returns so that in the evening of his life he enjoys the comforts which are considered essential to tranquility of mind. He also enjoys the friendship of the entire community and good wishes of all who know him.

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
- A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
written by Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911
Pages 538-544