Caledonia

BARTLETT, Thomas

Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, October 1867, p 308

Thomas BARTLETT, one of the early settlers [of Burke, Caledonia County, 
Vermont], was born 19 May 1771 in old Plymouth, Massachusetts, and was a 
descendant of Sylvanus BARTLETT, who emigrated from England in 1624. He 
[Thomas BARTLETT] moved to Vermont at the age of sixteen, and fitted for 
college with Judge MILES, of Fairlee [Orange County, Vermont]. He entered 
Dartmouth college in 1794. In consequence, however, of poor health, he was 
obliged, after two years, to abandon his studies. While at college he 
attained a high rank as a scholar, and maintained it to a respectable degree 
ever after. In early life he contemplated the ministry, but his state of 
health did not admit of his carrying out his cherished plans. He moved into 
Burke [Caledonia County, Vermont] in 1802. Being an able writer and 
effective speaker, he was often called upon to officiate at funerals, speak 
on the Fourth of July, etc. He was the first deacon of the Congregational 
church; the first town clerk; first representative of the town, in 1805; 
planted the first apple trees in town. Physically, he was a little above the 
common height, spare, and very straight, and retained his faculties in a 
remarkable degree to the time of his death, [Thomas BARTLETT died] 19 June 
1857. A man who was esteemed by all who knew him, for the excellence of his 
principles, can be truly written of him.

[The author of this sketch was Hon. Thomas BARTLETT, of Lyndon, Caledonia 
County, Vermont. On page 834 of the Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, 
October 1867, three BARTLETT are mentioned who were early settlers of 
Jericho, Chittenden County, Vermont: "Three brothers, Benjamin, Billy 
[William?] and Eben, were among the early and influential settlers [of 
Jericho], and their numerous descendants have always held a respectable rank 
in town." Were these BARTLETT related to Sylvanus BARTLETT? Bracketed 
material included by submitter, who is not researching these surnames, to 
support and clarify information given in the biography, and to raise 
questions.]

Submitted by Cathy Kubly