He “rose to office and was recommended by his fellow citizens, not less by the probity of his character, than the force of his genius. By standing on his own merits, he passed through a succession of offices which he sustained with uncommon honor to himself, and the duties which he discharged not only to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens, but with the highest benefit to his country.” Spoken by one of his contemporaries, this commendation summarizes the intellect, character, and charity of Dr. Josiah Bartlett.

In Amesbury, Massachusetts, Dr. Bartlett was born on November 21, 1729. A local schoolmaster provided him with some formal education. A relative taught him Greek and Latin and at the age of 16, he studied medicine under the supervision of Dr. James Ordway. 

In 1750, Josiah Bartlett moved to Kingston, New Hampshire, about ten miles away, and began attending to people’s ailments. His gracious and skillful hands earned him an excellent reputation and his list of patients expanded in time. His willingness to try new procedures helped him save a number of patients and his own children during the outbreak of diphtheria (throat distemper). He prescribed quinine (a Peruvian bark commonly found in tonic water) and cooling liquids. The cool liquids were contrary to typical care in the 18th century. Doctors used bleeding, emetics, depressing drugs, and starvation. The success of this treatment was minimal and many died consequently. 

Dr. Bartlett’s observation and innovative treatments garnered him praise and renown. He was elected to the office of selectman (local government board member) in 1757. His wisdom and fine character endeared him even more to his community and they selected him to serve in the state Provincial Assembly in 1765. His service continued to be blameless even in the face of pressure from the Royal Governor. His stance regarding the growing conflict between the crown and the colonies was demonstrably against any tyrannical inclinations of the British.

Josiah Bartlett was selected to be a New Hampshire delegate to the first Continental Congress, but was unable to serve due to his house being burned down. It is presumed loyalists to the crown were the arsonists. He rebuilt his house on the exact site of the original structure. He did serve in the Second Continental Congress. His support for independence from England was unmistakable. It is reported his vote for Richard Henry Lee’s resolution on July 2 was a thunderous affirmative that “made the rafters shake.” It is believed he was the first to vote for independence and the second to sign the charter. He also signed the United States’ first constitution, Articles of Confederation. 

After serving in the Congress, Dr. Bartlett remained entered the field of law and governance leaving medicine. He served as a judge of the common pleas, an associate justice of the state Superior Court, and as chief justice of the high court in 1788. He was overwhelmingly elected president (now termed, governor) of the Granite State for four years. Even though, he was not trained in the law, he received plaudits for his administration of justice.  

Despite only receiving instruction in the basic practice of medicine, Dr. Bartlett’s success as a doctor was recognized by Dartmouth College in 1790 when he was given an honorary degree of doctor of medicine. He would go on to establish the New Hampshire Medical Society. His example as a physician inspired three of his children and seven of his grandchildren to practice medicine.

It is written of him, ““Bartlett’s love of family, friendship with neighbors, respect for colleagues, and faith in God are apparent in his letters.” (He was raised a Calvinist and became a Universalist later in life.) Dr. Bartlett was only slowed down by an illness in 1794 that forced his retirement. He died the next year on May 19. 

Josiah Bartlett lived to be 65 years of age.