Omar Bennett
Josiah Bartlett was an American Founding Father, physician, and statesman who was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, in 1729. He practiced medicine in New Hampshire and became involved in politics, serving as a delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire and signing the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. He was also a member of the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States in 1787 and served as the first governor of New Hampshire and chief justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court. Given this information, it is likely that Josiah Bartlett did sign the Constitution, but this cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Josiah Bartlett |
| Born | 2 December 1729 (O.S. 21 November 1729) |
| Birthplace | Amesbury, Massachusetts |
| Education | Studied medicine under Dr. James Ordway |
| Occupation | Physician, Statesman, Delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire |
| Signatory | Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation |
| Other Roles | First Governor of New Hampshire, Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court of Judicature (now the New Hampshire Supreme Court), Delegate to the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States in 1787 |
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What You'll Learn
Josiah Bartlett was a signatory to the Declaration of Independence
Bartlett became involved in politics and was elected to the New Hampshire legislature. He was noted for his principles and was not susceptible to pressure from the Royal Governor. He actively advocated against British oppression. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire in 1775, 1776, and 1778. He was a member of the committee that drafted the Articles of Confederation, and he provided medical assistance to New Hampshire troops during the Revolutionary War.
Bartlett was the second person to sign the Declaration of Independence, immediately after John Hancock. He continued to serve in Congress and supported the Patriot cause. He was a member of the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States in 1787, and he advocated for its adoption. He served as the first governor of New Hampshire and as chief justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court, now known as the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
Bartlett's contributions were recognised and honoured in various ways. The town of Bartlett, New Hampshire, is named after him, and a bronze statue stands in his honour in the town square of Amesbury, Massachusetts. The Josiah Bartlett House was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971, and he is featured on a New Hampshire historical marker along New Hampshire Route 111 in Kingston. Additionally, the main character in the NBC drama series "The West Wing", President Josiah Bartlet, is depicted as a fictional descendant of Bartlett.
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He was a member of the convention that framed the Constitution
Josiah Bartlett was an American Founding Father, physician, and statesman. He was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, in 1729 and studied medicine, practising as a physician in Kingston, New Hampshire. Bartlett was a delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire and a signatory to the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
Bartlett was a member of the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States in 1787. He served as a delegate from New Hampshire at the convention and played a role in shaping the Constitution. He was an active participant in the debates and discussions that took place during the convention, contributing his ideas and insights to the drafting process. As a delegate, he represented the interests and perspectives of his state, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of New Hampshire were reflected in the final document.
Bartlett's involvement in the convention was significant as he brought his experience as a physician and statesman to the task of constitution-making. He was known for his principled approach to legislation and his advocacy against British oppression. He had also served as a member of the Colonial Legislature, a Committee of Safety, and commander of a militia regiment. This diverse background allowed him to provide a unique perspective during the constitutional debates, influencing the provisions and principles that were ultimately incorporated into the Constitution.
In addition to his role in the convention, Bartlett continued to be actively involved in politics and public service. He had previously served as a member of the Continental Congress in 1775, 1776, and 1778, where he played a crucial role in the fight for independence. He was the second person to sign the Declaration of Independence, demonstrating his commitment to the cause. Bartlett's medical background also proved valuable during his political career, as he provided medical assistance to New Hampshire troops under General John Stark, contributing to their victory at the Battle of Bennington.
Following his participation in the convention, Bartlett went on to hold several important positions. He served as the first governor of New Hampshire and as chief justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court, now known as the New Hampshire Supreme Court. He also continued his work in the medical field, practising medicine for over 40 years and promoting wellness practices such as diet, exercise, fresh air, and mental wellbeing.
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Bartlett was a physician and statesman
Josiah Bartlett was an American physician and statesman who played a significant role in the early history of the United States. Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, in November 1729, he began his medical studies at the age of sixteen under the tutelage of Dr. James Ordway. In 1750, he moved to Kingston, New Hampshire, and established a successful medical practice. Bartlett's approach to medicine was considered unconventional for his time. He challenged contemporary treatment methods for fevers, advocating for the use of cooling liquids instead of the traditional practice of bleeding patients. His methods proved effective, especially during an outbreak of diphtheria (then known as throat distemper) in Kingston, where he successfully treated patients, including his children, with Peruvian bark (quinine) and cooling liquids. Bartlett's medical achievements earned him a reputation as a competent and respected physician.
As tensions with England rose, Bartlett transitioned into politics. He was elected to the New Hampshire legislature and became actively involved in the growing resistance against British oppression. In 1775, he was a member of the Continental Congress and served as a delegate from New Hampshire. He was a strong advocate for independence, and in 1776, he was the second person to sign the Declaration of Independence, after John Hancock. Bartlett continued to serve in Congress and played a crucial role in drafting the Articles of Confederation, which he also signed.
In addition to his medical and political endeavours, Bartlett served as a judge and Chief Justice on the New Hampshire Superior Court, now known as the New Hampshire Supreme Court. He was a delegate to the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States in 1787 and advocated for its ratification, which New Hampshire adopted in 1788. Bartlett's contributions to the founding of the nation are significant, and he is recognised as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
After a distinguished career, Josiah Bartlett retired from public service in 1794, expressing his gratitude for the trust and confidence placed in him by his fellow citizens. He passed away on May 19, 1795, in Kingston, New Hampshire, leaving behind a legacy as both a healing physician and a dedicated statesman. His impact on the medical field and his role in shaping the early governance of the United States continue to be remembered and honoured.
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He was the first governor of New Hampshire
Josiah Bartlett, a New Hampshire delegate to the Continental Congress, did indeed sign the Constitution of the United States. He was an influential figure in the founding of the nation and played a significant role in shaping the future of what would become the state of New Hampshire. As a physician and statesman, he contributed to the development of the young country in multiple ways, and his legacy is particularly notable in his home state, where he served as the first governor.
Bartlett's political career began in 1765 when he was elected to the New Hampshire Assembly. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a justice of the peace and a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. In 1774, as tensions escalated between the colonies and Britain, Bartlett was chosen as a delegate to the First Continental Congress, representing New Hampshire. He was also a member of the Second Continental Congress, which convened in 1775, and it was during this time that he added his signature to the Declaration of Independence, solidifying his place in American history.
Following the Declaration of Independence, Bartlett continued to serve in various political roles. He was a member of the New Hampshire Provincial Congress and was appointed Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature in 1778. In 1782, he was elected by the legislature to be the president, or governor, of New Hampshire, a role he filled for three one-year terms. As the state's first governor, he faced the challenging task of establishing a stable government and ensuring the smooth transition from colony to state.
During his time as governor, Bartlett focused on establishing a strong foundation for the new state. He worked to organize the state's militia, promote education, and develop a stable economy. He also played a key role in drafting the state's constitution, which was adopted in 1784. Bartlett's legal background and experience in the Continental Congress made him well-suited for this task, and he helped ensure that New Hampshire's constitution reflected the principles of democracy and individual rights that he had fought for during the Revolution.
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He was a delegate to the Continental Congress
Josiah Bartlett was a delegate to the Continental Congress, serving in 1775, 1776, and 1778. He was elected to represent New Hampshire in the Continental Congress in 1775 and attended the Second Session of the Continental Congress, where he sat on several committees, including civil government, secrecy, safety, marine, and munitions.
Bartlett was a physician and statesman who played a significant role in the early history of the United States. He was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, in November 1729 and studied medicine, practising as a physician in Kingston, New Hampshire. He gained recognition for his successful treatment of an outbreak of diphtheria, also known as throat distemper, using Peruvian bark (quinine) and prescribing cooling liquids to temper fever.
Bartlett's reputation as a competent and respected physician led to his involvement in politics. He became a member of New Hampshire's legislature during a time of rising tensions with England and the Stamp Act controversy. He was noted for his principled stance, not succumbing to pressure from the Royal Governor, and advocated against British oppression.
In 1775, Bartlett was elected to the Continental Congress, where he continued his advocacy for independence. He voted for independence and was the second person to sign the Declaration of Independence, after John Hancock. He also served on the committee that drafted the Articles of Confederation, which he also signed.
Bartlett's contributions extended beyond medicine and politics. He served as the first governor of New Hampshire and held judicial positions, including chief justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court of Judicature, now known as the New Hampshire Supreme Court. He was a delegate to the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States in 1787 and advocated for its adoption.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Josiah Bartlett did not sign the Constitution. However, he was a member of the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States in 1787 and advocated for its adoption.
Josiah Bartlett was a physician and politician. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire and a signatory to the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation. He also served as the first governor of New Hampshire and chief justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court of Judicature, now the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
Josiah Bartlett was born on November 21, 1729, in Amesbury, Massachusetts. He studied medicine and began practising in New Hampshire.
