Josiah Bartlett
Born: November 21, 1729
Died: May 19, 1795
Colony/State: New Hampshire
Occupation / Public Role: Physician, legislator, judge, governor
Contribution to the Founding Era: Delegate to the Continental Congress, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and later president/governor of New Hampshire.
Josiah Bartlett was an American physician and statesman who became one of New Hampshire’s best-known Revolutionary leaders. Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, he moved to Kingston, New Hampshire, where he established himself as a doctor and built a strong local reputation before entering politics.
Bartlett served in the Continental Congress in 1775 and 1776 during the push toward independence. According to commonly cited accounts of the vote, as the delegate from the northernmost colony, he was the first called on when Congress formally considered independence, and he voted in favor. He later became the second signer of the Declaration of Independence, just after John Hancock.
Before and during the Revolution, Bartlett was active in New Hampshire politics and aligned with the Patriot cause. He opposed British measures such as the Stamp Act and became an important public figure in the colony. His medical background also made him especially useful in a time of war and instability, since he could serve both politically and practically.
After independence, Bartlett continued in public service. He served as a judge, became Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court of Judicature, and later served as the state’s president/governor. He is also remembered in New Hampshire medical history for helping establish the New Hampshire Medical Society.
Josiah Bartlett died in Kingston, New Hampshire, in 1795. Though he is not as famous today as men like Jefferson, Adams, or Franklin, he played a real and important role in the founding generation. He was one of the men who put his name to American independence and then kept serving in public life after the break with Great Britain.
Related Links
- Signers of the Declaration of Independence
- Declaration of Independence
- Thomas Jefferson
- Delegates Who Did Not Sign the Declaration of Independence
- Federalist Papers