BIOGRAPHIES:  William BARTLETT, Barron Township, Barron County, WI

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Transcribed by Peg Lamkin <brinwood@chibardun.net> Edited and submitted
by Vic Gulickson <vic@indy.net>  11 March 2002	
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William Bartlett, farmer, dairyman and man-of-affairs, was for many years
one of the leading men of his community, and his fame has spread far beyond
the bounds of the county. As a farmer and dairyman he believed in
everything that meant improved agricultural conditions. Having this belief,
he was one of the most active factors in the Barron County Guernsey
Breeders' Association, and did much to further its influence, scope and
prestige as its president. The Barron County Live Stock Sales Association
likewise found in him an earnest worker, and his conservative judgment as
one of its directors was greatly valued. His work as one of the directors
of the Barron Creamery Co. was also respected. With these connections, it
was natural that his financial opinions should be sought, and he was given
a position on the directorate of the First National Bank of Barron. He also
devoted much of his time to public affairs and served in various town and
school offices. In these positions he showed the same breadth of vision
that he did in his other and advocated progress and improvement, but was
ever mindful that there should be a limit to rural taxation. He took his
part in that tended toward the good of the community. In fact it was said
he was possibly the most progressive and successful dairyman in the county,
a high tribute indeed in a county of so many prominent dairymen. His home
life was ideal, he was a loving and loyal husband, an understanding and
gentle father, a pleasant companion, a generous neighbor, and at all times
a good citizen. His sudden death May 2, 1921, was the cause of mourning far
and wide, and in his passing the county indeed lost a good man, one whose
life was of real benefit to his fellow men, and one who had truly made the
community the better for his living in it. Mr. Bartlett was born in
Aroostook county, Maine, Feb. 19, 1858, the son of Jeremiah and Josephine
Bartlett, natives of that state. They brought him to Galesville, in
Trempealeau county, this state, when he was six years old, and here he was
educated and reared to farm work. In 1882 he moved to South Dakota, and
took a claim near De Smet. He came to Barron county in 1883, and continued
to live here for nearly forty years until his death. For a while he lived
in Cameron. In 1886 he settled on a tract of 120 acres in section 25,
Barron township. To the development and cultivation of this farm he
thereafter devoted his attention. He built up a farm which is one of the
show places of the community, with fine buildings, a good lawn and grove,
well-tilled acres, good fences, and all modern equipment. His livestock was
of the best, and his herd was known among breeders throughout the state.
His death came while he was still hard at work, plowing his garden. Mr.
Bartlett was married at Barron, Wis., May 2, 1885, to Emma E. Beckwith, who
was born in Allegheny county, New York, Sept. 28, 1866, daughter of Capt.
John C. and Anna (Craig) Beckwith. Mrs. Bartlett, a gracious lady of many
charming qualities, was the faithful helpmate of her husband in all his
undertakings, sharing fully in every aspiration and ambition, and making
his home one of comfort, hospitality, brightness and good cheer. Mr. and
Mrs. Bartlett had five children: Maude E., now the wife of Carl Kolb of
Barron; Ray W., who lives on the home farm with his mother; Lyle, residing
on a farm in Barron township; and two who died in infancy.

--Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.,
1922, pp. 99-100.