THOMAS
BARTLETT, merchant, of Edwardsport, Ind., was born in Johnson County, Ind.,
January 17, 1835, and is one of the eight children of George and Fannie
(McQuaid) Bartlett, both born in Kentucky, in 1800. They came to
Johnson County, Ind., in 1825, and twenty years later went to Monroe County,
where they lived five years and then went to Fayette County, Ill., where
he remained until his death in the fall of 1855. The mother died
in Johnson County, Ind., in 1838. Our subject made his home with
his father until he was twenty years old. He received his education
in the old log schoolhouses, and in April, 1854, he married Malinda Ginger,
born in Illinois in 1837, daughter of William and Mary Ginger. Mrs.
Bartlett died September, 1856, having borne one child (deceased).
In March, 1860, Mr. Bartlett married Mary Jane Killion, who was born in
Daviess County, Ind., in March, 1838, daughter of David and Matilda Killion.
To them were born eight children, seven living: Fanny M. (wife of
Charles H. Shepard), Dora J. (wife of Joseph M. Freeman), John T., Ida
May, Ota Irene, Ethel and Edna. After his first wife's death Mr.
Bartlett abandoned farming, and came to Edwardsport and commenced blacksmithing,
following that until 1860 when he purchased a one-half interest in a saw-mill.
He soon sold out and resumed farming, but in 1865 began merchandising.
He and William Hollingsworth were partners for seven years and then our
subject became sole proprietor. He was connected with C.C. Azbell
and A.R. Perkins in business, but since 1877 has carried on the business
alone. He is one of the leading merchants and has the largest stock
in the village. He has many friends and is carrying on a successful
business. He is a Democrat in politics and in 1880 was appointed
county commissioner to fill an unexpired term. He made a good
officer and was re-elected in 1882. He is a member of the I.O.O.F.
and he and wife belong to the Christian Church.
History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana. Chicago: The Goodspeed
Publishing Co. 1886, page 473
(Photograph courtesy of Anne Bryson King)