The President of....New Hampshire?

It was on this date in 1795 that New Hampshire patriot Josiah Bartlett passed away.

An original signer of the Declaration of Independence—immediately after John Hancock placed his huge signature on the document, Bartlett was truly one of the Founding Fathers, a man who was, for a time—The President of New Hampshire!

That title was eventually changed to Governor, but Bartlett’s place in history was assured in so many other ways. A delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire, Bartlett later served as Chief Justice for the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Originally born in Massachusetts, Bartlett was a trained physician and in 1750 moved to Kingston, New Hampshire to begin his practice. He married his cousin Mary Bartlett in 1754 (who conveniently didn’t have to change her name!) Over the years, they would have twelve children! All three of his sons and seven of his grandsons who also become doctors.

Below is a video of the auction of his personal belongings-courtesy of New Hampshire Public Television. It is a fascinating look at an amazing life:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4XqNGW0994


Of course, those outside of Northern New England will recognize the name Josiah Bartlett for another reason. TV producer Aaron Sorkin co-opted the name for the Martin Sheen’s character in the hit series “The West Wing”. A distant relative of the historical Bartlett, Martin did his namesake proud in the way he conducted himself in “office”-even if it was only a TV show-here is a lighter moment from “The West Wing”:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TcGEcKjSu4&feature=related

As we dismiss most of today’s politicians and leaders as shallow, self-serving pawns of special interests, it’s comforting to know that America had some true patriots—and although each of them might have looked as flawed if viewed under today’s unforgiving media glare, a public servant’s entire resume must be considered when history makes its judgment.

The totality of Josiah Bartlett’s life is that of a true American patriot.


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