BARTLETT, SYLVESTER JOSEPH, now practically retired, was once usefully connected with some important construction and other railroad work for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and has always been a man of probity and high standing. He was born in Penobscot County, Maine, February 29, 1844, a son of Josiah and Nancy (Taintor) Bartlett, natives of Maine. The grandfather, Josiah Bartlett, also came from Maine. The father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1860 moved to western New York looking for better conditions for his work. There he died in 1868.

The interesting life history of Sylvester Joseph Bartlett practically began with his enlistment for service during the Civil war, November 10, 1863, in Company C, First Long Island Volunteer Infantry at Wellsville, N.Y., as prior to that he had been a farmer boy, alternating work on the homestead with attendance at the local schools. With his enlistment, however, he shouldered the responsibilities of a man and soldier and saw service in Chattanooga and other places of lesser importance. After receiving his discharge at Harper's Ferry, in 1864, he re-enlisted June 10, 1864, in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth New York Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to service at Petersburg, Va., afterward taking part in the battle of Five Points and many others. During the entire period of his service, he was never wounded nor taken prisoner, and received his final discharge at Arlington Heights, June 1, 1865, having participated in the memorable grand review at Washington, D.C.

After returning home, the young soldier worked with his father until the latter's death, when he went to Lawrence County, Ill., and engaged with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad as a member of the construction gang. After four years of that work, he spent two years at Virginia with the same railroad, and then was made section foreman for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Beardstown. A few years later he was promoted to be general foreman of the railroad yards, holding that responsible position for twenty years. He then retired although he has done some work as flagman at crossings to fill in his time.

In June, 1872, he was married at Flora, Ill., to Bridgeteen Tower, who was born in Clay County, Ill., and died in 1894. The two children of this marriage are: Margaret, who is Mrs. A. W. Whiteford, of New York City; S. J., Jr., who is of Swan Creek, Ill., being an agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Mr. Bartlett belongs to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and has been a presiding priest since 1904. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.