Bartlett, Jacob

Bartlett Bros Tannery

Frame 49

J. ROBSON & SONS.

This tanning industry under different ownership, established 1836, is the oldest in the town. Other industries, such as Cleveland's grist mill, and Gorham's woolen mill, were erected at the Hollow, now South Oshawa, as early as 1822. Smith's distillery in 1825, and the advent of the Gibbs family in 1829 and 1832. These industries have all ceased to exist. The tannery erected by Miles Luke in 1836, which Luke and Ash enlarged, and which later was owned by the Bartlett Brothers, and in 1865 was purchased by Robson & Lauchland, who carried on the tannery successfully up to within a few years, it is only fair this old time industry should rank first in the list of Oshawa industries. In 1893 this tannery became the property of J. Robson, Mr. Lauchland retiring from the business.

Frame 50

THE BARTLETT TANNERY.

The old tannery buildings on the road side, east of Thornton's corners, west of Oshawa is one of the earliest industries in the township. It is not the purpose to refer to all of the numerous industries outside of the Town of Oshawa, but an exception will be taken in the case of this old time industry, because it is one of the land marks of early days, and observed by so many who constantly pass along King St. west. The founder Jonathen Bartlett, like many of the early settlers, was a grand man of the old type, who bore a share in laying the foundation for the after industrial progress.

Frame 261

1833 - JONATHEN BARTLETT (Tanning business)

This old-time settler on the main road between Oshawa and Thornton Corners came to this part in 1833. He is said to have been a native of New York state.

The old time tannery buildings long ago taken down was the place where Jonathen Bartlett began and carried on the manufacture of leather. In his case the old adage "there's nothing like leather" had a literal application for he is said to have been successful as a business man. The writer remembers the pioneer leather worker. He was a man of commanding presence, like a great many of the early settlers mentioned in this book.

Mr. Bartlett it is thought had an interest in the Chaffey Tannery, an old time industry which at one time stood in the rear of the Skae & McDonald store on the corner opposite Mr. Jones, the town solicitor's residence.

Frame 378

ANDREW HALL (Tanner)

The subject of this sketch came to Oshawa when a young man. He learned the tanning trade from Jonathan Bartlett where he was residing at the time of the latter's death. Mr. Hall has resided on south Simcoe Street about thirty two years in a building once occupied by Martin Shaw, the early blacksmith of Oshawa.

Mr. Hall's brother Thomas has also been a long time resident of Oshawa. William, another brother died about 1883.

Mr. Andrew Hall's wife died on the 1st of October 1889, leaving a husband and three children. Mrs. Hall in her life time was highly esteemed for her good works.

[SPM]

Bartlett Bros Tannery

The tannery erected by Miles Luke in 1836, which Luke and Ash enlarged, and which later was owned by the Bartlett Brothers, and in 1865 was purchased by Robson & Lauchland, who carried on the tannery successfully up to within a few years, it is only fair this old time industry should rank first in the list of Oshawa industries. In 1893 this tannery became the property of J. Robson, Mr. Lauchland retiring from the business. In August, 1899, the old tannery was destroyed by fire, and the firm removed to Cedar Dale. [TEK, pp. 154-5]

THE BARTLETT TANNERY.

The old tannery buildings on the road side, east of Thornton's corners, at this date, (1894), is one of the earliest industries in the township. It is not the purpose to refer to all of the numerous industries outside of the Town of Oshawa, but an exception will be taken in the case of this old time industry, because it is one of the landmarks of early days, and observed by so many who constantly pass along King Street West. The founder, Jonathan Bartlett, like many of the early settlers, was a grand man of the old type, who bore a share in laying the foundation for the after industrial progress. [TEK, p. 156]

The Bartlett Tribal Re-Union.

Family and community re-unions have become quite common in this country. In the past there has been so much collective push and personal energy in the development of the country that the people of America have had no time to attend to social cometies. This means of commingling and fellowship cannot fail of a conserving influence on the civil and social relations of the people. When we think of the privileges and blessings we enjoy as a people, and compute the benefits derived, we should use every means for transmitting through the rising generation the value of our form of government, civil, political, and social. We measure the value of a commodity by the cost of production; there is no better means to ascertain the cost of the privileges and blessings we enjoy than by the stockholders comparing notes and relating their experience. The most impressive and effectual way to do this is by oral communication between those who aided in earning the blessings and those who may come in possession of them as an inheritance.

Six years ago, Andrew Warner and wife, the latter a Bartlett, of Chester, Geauga county, Ohio, conceived and attempted the organizing of the Bartletts of this country into an annual tribal reunion. The first of these reunions was held at Andrew Warner’s residence, Chester, Geauga county, Ohio, the 12th day of Oct., 1882.

The present is the sixth annual gathering; in response to an invitation of Richard Bartlett, of Pontiac, who attended the reunion of last year at Seth Bartlett’s, Collins, Erie county, New York, and was very largely patronized, 300 being present. Richard Bartlett and his family being among the number, were so impressed with the pleasure of the occasion, and the knowledge obtained of the where abouts and history of the Bartletts living in this country, and the past record of the name reaching back according to the chronology furnished, to 987, that they extended an invitation to the tribe to visit Michigan as their guests, By a law of the tribe, the fourth Thursday in August of each year is fixed for the annual gathering. During all the year, Richard Bartlett and family have had their minds on the event, and for several days previous their hands had been busy in preparing for the coming of their uncles, their cousins and their aunts in name and by blood. They made up their minds that it would take all outdoors to hold their guests, and a large well filled larder to feed them. The comissary department in the hands of Mrs. Bartlett and her aids, with the resources of the large farm, and Richard’s purse to draw from, was certain to be well stocked, which the sequal proved to be true. The external preparations were left to the improvising genius and taste of the boys, who were equal to the task. Last week Thursday was the day fixed for the assembling of the tribe, and as early as Tuesday there were arrivals of guests by cars, who were met at the depot by the Bartlett line of hacks, which made every train. By Thursday noon the guests were all on the ground, including your reporter who was a half-blood, holding the dual relation of cousin and scribe.

Richard Bartlett has resided on the farm he owns twenty-two years. It is located on the east line of the city limits; has been under cultivation for a half century, producing a growth of orcharding, shade trees and shrubbery making a delightful cooling shade, under which the clans could repose in social pleasure and conversation, retrospective and prospective. In mingling with the crowd we were convinced that Shakespear was mistaken when he said “there’s nothing in a name.” On this occasion there was everything in a name. Bartlett was the shibboleth of the occasion, and the pass-word to honor and preferment. But the kinship of blood were recognized and those who bore another name, and could trace their genealogy to the tribe, were welcomed and honored as of the great family whose lineage has been traced back to 987.

Previous to the welcome call to dinner, a business meeting was held in front of Charley Bartlett’s residence, the house and grounds having been fitted up for the holding of the business and literary exercises. A bower formed of oak branches arched the doorway which was encircled with the National flag. Beneath this natural and patriotic canopy were cozily and romanticly located the officers, singers and orchestry. Immediately in front, under the branches of maple trees, seats had been provided for the select audience.

In the absence of the president, Lucius Anson Bartlett, of Grafton. Ohio, Charley Bartlett called the tribe to order and proposed the name of Andrew Warner as president, who was elected, and returned thanks for the honor. The meeting then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year. The following being chosen: President, the venerable Lucius Anson Bartlett, of Grafton, Ohio; vice president, Andrew Warner, of Chardon, Geauga county, Ohio; secretary. Charles S. Bartlett, of Pontiac, Michigan; assistant secretary, Mrs. E. Snow, of Collingwood, Ohio.

A motion was made and carried, that all present be granted the privilege of inviting any persons of the name of Bartlett, and other blood kin.

On motion, a resolution was passed thanking Richard Bartlett, wife and family, for the cordial greeting and welcome, and for the generous hospitalities bestowed; to the neighbors and friends for their kindly greeting, and to the proprietors of the Pontiac Gazette, for reportorial courtesies, By a unanimous vote the residence of Andrew Warner at Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, was selected as the place for holding the reunion of 1888.

At the conclusion of the business, a quartette, consisting of C. S, Bartlett, Smith Bartlett and wife, and Mrs. Cyntha Cook, of Collins, N. Y, Mrs. Charley Bartlett playing the accompaniment, sang the Farmers’ Chorus. In response to repeated calls, Charley Bartlett sang the “Old Folks are Gone.” In parenthesis we desire to say, that as an amateur, Charley is a fine singer.

Letters of regret from the following persons were read by Charley Bartlett: Lucius Anson Bartlett, Angeline Bartlett, Grafton, O.; Mary Bartlett, Flint, Mich. Jennie and Mattie Bartlett, Dryden, Mich,;Mary Pratt, Yawton.N. Y. Col. Frank Bartlett, New Orleans, La.; A. J. Bartlett, Kendia. N. Y.; Azel E Bartlett, Kalamazoo, Mich, Prof. H. P. Bartlett, Lansing, Mich. Eellen B. Currier, Oberlin, Ohio. Jacob B. Huff, Peterborough, Ontario; J. W. Bartlett, Belmont, Ohio, and others.

The following is the social roster of those present: Andrew Warner and wife, Chardon, Ohio; John P Bartlett, Willink, N. Y.; J. S. Preston and wife, Disco, Mich.; Horace Bartlett. Dryden Mich.; Wm, H. Hamlin and wife, Pontiac, Mich.; O. K. White and wife, Cranston, Mich.; Henry Bartlett, Dryden, Mich., Mary A. Bartlett, Davis, Mich.; Mark Walter, Pontiac, Mich.; B. C. Farrisworth, wife and three children, Owosso, Mich., Alden Tarbox and wife, Pontiac, Mich.; H. A. Bartlett, Flint, Mich.; Seth F. Bartlett and wife, Norman Cook and wife, Collins, N. Y.; Mabel and Flora Osmun, Pontiac, Mich.; Mrs. O. M. Lewis, Vassar, Mich.; Mrs. W. H. Osmun, Jr., Richard Bartlett and wife, C. S. Bartlett, A. S. Bartlett, Pontiac, Mich.; Addle Bartlett, Springfield, Mich; F. O. Snow and wife, Collinwood, Ohio; A. L. Goff, A. S. Pearsall and wife, Disco, Mich.; R. F. Willett, wife and son, Collins. N. Y.; Anna B. Taylor, Yawton, N. Y.; Charlotte and Ella Bartlett, Springfield, Mich.; Ammarilla Bartlett, Pontiac, Mich,; Llewellyn Chapel and wife, Disco, Mich.; Giles B. Stebbins and wife, Detroit, Mich.; Wm. H. Osmun and wife, Pontiac, Jas. Parkinson and wife, New Era, Mich.; E. J. Tyer, Mrs. A. W. Tyer, Pontiac, Mich,; Zoheth Allen, wife and two children, Pompeii, Mich.; Daniel B, Allen and wife, Ovid, Mich.; Elijah Bartlett, Dryden, Mich.; Paul Willett, Lawtons, N, Y.; Libbie Bartlett, Dryden, N. Y.

Next in order was the dinner, always a welcome portion of a program. The banquet was bold under a rustic arbor, with a roof of boards, and enclosed on the sides with live branches of various timber, and tastily trimmed in the inside with branches and clusters of Siberian apples, symbolizing the plenty with which the two tables extending the entire length were loaded, John, of Willink, N. Y., said, “the Bartletts were good feeders." With the bountiful supply on this occasion they had no need of going away hungry, for the substantials and delicasies were equal to the demands of all tastes and desires. Not all the sittings prepared were filled but we counted about one hundred persons at the first table. At the conclusion of the dinner the company arranged themselves in a body in front of the senior Bartlett residence for the purpose of a groupe photograph by W. H. Brummitt, who with his usual artistic skill, secured a fine picture of many faces we shall never see again. Immediately following the quiet formal posing the company repaired to the home of Charley Bartlett, where the historical and literary exercises were held. After a song by the quartette, assisted by W. H Hamlin on the bass viol, President Warner called on Richard Bartlett, who with more feeling than words, welcomed and extended to all the hospitalities of his home. He said there were not as many present as he had hoped to see, but as it was a season of half crops, he was satisfied. Elijah Bartlett, of Dryden, Lapeer county, responded on behalf of the visitors, who said, “deep down in our hearts we thank Richard Bartlett and family for their generous hospitality. The President, Andrew Warner, read a lengthy historical sketch of the name with its early etymology. He also read a synopsis of the proceedings of the-last year’s meeting.

Mark Walter being called, spoke as follows: Socially this is a new birth to me, but I feel I am born into good society, and connected with an honor ed name. Did you ever think, that if Moses had not turned aside to see, he would not have beheld the manifested glories of the “burning bush.” It is by turning aside from the beaten paths of life, we often gather the richest gifts and sweetest joys. In turning aside to-day, I see new faces, form new acquaintances, and remotely trace ties of consanguinity. Being related to the name you honor, I can truly say that it is the one that charms me most, and this occasion, and this interview will strengthen the bond of attachment.

We are located to-day on Bartlett soil, a farm which flows with milk and honey, what delicacies and sweets the farm produces are subject to order.

The tables were not spread on the European plan, but in gratuitous abundance for all who bear the favorite name, or honor the reunion with their presence. It is a source of pleasure to me, to be able to share with you in the hospitalities of the Bartlett farm, which for many years has been a source of nourishment to this community, and will be remembered by you all, as a green spot in life’s journey. Not all those present will join hands again in this world, but distance nor separation cannot manacle our thoughts; through this medium we can mingle together in sweet memories of this reunion, and the new acquaintances formed.

Ann Taylor, the wife of Rev. Geo. Taylor, of Collins, N. Y., excused the absence of her husband, and made some remarks; Oliver White of Oceana county, Mich., said he had no Bartlett blood in him, but in early life he was struck by a Bartlett; he was a cousin to some in the blood; Mrs. Cynthia Bartlett, o£ Collins, N. Y., returned thanks for recognition; Giles B. Stebbins indulged in some classical witty allusions to the name. He said a long lived tree has its roots deep in the ground. The Bartlett family has its root deep in history, reaching back to 987, A. D. He paid a merited tribute, to Richard Bartlett, whose true purpose and mission in life has its root in uprightness and honor, a worthy scion of a noble stock and name. Mrs. G. B. Stebbins recited some choice, appropriate words from Emerson, The president made some remarks, impressing on the minds of those present, the importance of attending future reunions. The ceremonies closed with a song by Charley Bartlett, with chorus, “A boy’s best friend is his mother,” The reunion was a grand success, and the day was pleasantly and profitably spent, in talking over the past, enjoying the present, and in hope and sympathy, looking out on the future. May the future of all, be bright and full of cheer.

W.

Pontiac Gazette (Pontiac, MI) 2 Sep 1887 page 2

This article contains a wealth of information about BARTLETTs across the US, especially Michigan, Ohio and New York. Unfortunately, it does not tell us much about the relationships among the various branches. Are they assumed to be related because they all share the BARTLETT name?