Bartlett, S. N.

BARTLETT

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 1/9/2013 at 08:04:06

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

BARTLETT, S.N.—Grinnell Twp—pg 882-3. Deceased. Died the 15th of November, 1879, at the age of seventy-six years. From the Grinnell Herald we copy the following: "The funeral was attended by a large concourse of citizens on Saturday, November 17th; President Magoun conducted the services, assisted by Revs. Mr. Herrick and Grinnell, in the absence of Dr. Sturtevant. Mr. Bartlett was a native of Bath, New Hampshire, where he was a church officer, a magistrate, and a member of the State Legislature, and had an association with many eminent persons up to his removal to Grinnell, in 1855. Here he discharged various duties connected with the Congregational Church, and as a citizen, with honor and success. At the funeral it was mentioned, though related to an eminent and historic family—one Josiah Bartlett, the second signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the first Governor of New Hampshire, the deceased required no such association to color a well rounded beneficent life. As a neighbor he was cordial and pleasant, and being ‘given to hospitality’ a trait hundreds of strangers will remember as a conspicuous virtue. His temperament led him to become conservative in society, more inclined to ‘steadying the ark of God’ than to be a leader, and an advocate of new measures, yet a cordial worker where the path of duty was plain. None of the old citizens or of the younger, were more solicitous for good order in the town and in the prosperity of the church and college. It was aptly said by his coffin that a fortunate historic personage had passed away. Warm friendship had been cultivated, there was a retrospect of an useful life, prolonged to the enjoyment of a golden wedding, five years since, where was gathered the bride of his youth, and an almost unbroken family circle, as joyous that as sad to-day. Near fifty years was the period of his service as a church officer, and now a word or an act will be remembered that was not in accord with that profession and character which gives ‘the highest style of man.’ A large number of the families of the town felt a strong attachment for him—no more, since it was his choice of a home which brought here many of our valued citizens, the Sutherland, Childs, Morrisons, Walkers, Stevens, Leightons, Eastmans and others. The cherished wish to die, surrounded by his family was gratified, and it was not a vain aspiration, that his memory will be cherished long after his dust shall have ‘returned to dust.’ The Congregational Church will express its bereavement, and the First National Bank passed the following resolutions of respect: ‘At a special meeting of the directors of the First National Bank of Grinnell, held at their banking-house on the 15th day of November, 1879, President Steele in the chair, the following resolutions were presented by Director J.B. Grinnell, and unanimously adopted: Whereas, one of our number, Deacon S.N. Bartlett, has been called away by death, therefore, be it resolved: In the death of our brother, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years, we recognize a beneficent Providence, continuing long in service, one who honored every station which he was called to fill. That as a magistrate in his native New Hampshire, a pillar of society and a member of the Legislature, and for commendable and honorable service here, for near a quarter of a century, he will ever be held in high esteem. Our tribute is to a Christian citizen, and endeared husband and father, whose loss will be deeply felt in this board of directors, and to the bereaved family, we tender our sympathies and will sorrowfully unite with them, in attending the funeral of the deceased to-morrow. That this expression be entered upon the bank records, and copied be furnished to the press and families of the deceased. By order of the board of directors. Charles H. Spencer, Cashier.’"