Robert A. Bartlett

ROBERT A. BARTLETT, whose portrait appears herewith, is one of the most prosperous farmers of Hackberry township, Labette county, Kansas, and it was in his honor that the town of Bartlett was named. He was born in Delaware county, Indiana, in 1836, and is a son of Robert L. Bartlett.

Robert L. Bartlett was born in Harrison county, West Virginia, and was a farmer by occupation. He was joined in Hymen's bonds with Mrs. Mary Hall, and they became parents of the following children: Mary, Eleanor, John, Emily and Enoch, all deceased; and Robert A.

Robert A. Bartlett lived in his native state until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he went to Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, and finally returned, in 1857, to Indiana, where he located at Anderson. He followed the trade of a carpenter and was a resident of Anderson until 1869. In the spring of that year he journeyed west to Labette county, Kansas, and in 1870 located on his present farm, - the southwest quarter of section 27, Hackberry township. He built a cabin 12 by 12 feet, in size, on his claim, and through several conspicuous improvements made it one of the most valuable pieces of land in the community. The town of Bartlett is located on his northwest 40 acres and, as before mentioned, was named in his honor. The town was organized in 1887, with Mr. Bartlett as president, and Charles C. Black, as secretary. The land on which he located was one of the main tracts claimed by the railroad company, and he was one of the foremost in contesting the title of the adverse claimant. He, with other farmers, fought the railroad corporation in the courts for a period of five years, and finally won. At the present time he rents his farm. In 1895, he built a handsome, two-story, frame residence, of 15 rooms, nicely arranged and equipped with modern conveniences.

Mr. Bartlett was united in matrimony with Lucinda J. Makepeace, who was born in Indiana, in 1836, and they have reared the following children: Hattie, Norman, John, Edith, and Nellie. Politically, Mr. Bartlett is a strong Republican. He belongs to Chetopa Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.