My Genealogy Hound

EUGENE PRENTISS BARTLET, of Pelham, a Director and superintendent of the Montague City Rod Manufactury, was born in Pelham, January 1, 1853, son of Marshall and Abigail (Warren) Bartlet. Mr. Bartlet’s ancestors were early settlers in Enfield, Mass., where they were engaged in agriculture. Marshall Bartlet, Mr. Bartlet’s father, was born in Enfield, and was a son of Gideon Bartlet. He settled in Pelham in 1845, and followed his trade of shoemaking during the active period of his life. He was an industrious worker and an estimable man. In politics he was a Republican, while he held liberal religious views. Marshall Bartlet died in Amherst at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, who was a descendant of General Warren of Revolutionary fame, was born at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor. She became the mother of ten children, as follows: Erastus; Livingston, a resident of Amherst; Calista, wife of Henry Wheeler, of Hartford, Conn.; Joseph F., a resident of Turner’s Falls, Mass.; Myron M., who resides in Belchertown; Leander L., of Montague City; Henrietta, wife of Edwin Wade, of Ludlow; Carrie, wife of Charles Aldridge, of Keene, N.H.; Eugene P., the subject of this sketch; and Lora, wife of Charles Engel, of Springfield, Mass. The mother died at the age of sixty-eight years.

Eugene Prentiss Bartlet commenced at an early age to contribute toward his own support. When thirteen years old, he became farm boy for Marcus Daniels in Wilbraham, receiving twenty-five dollars for his season’s work. He then found employment in the Hills Company’s factory in Amherst. The Hills were then the exclusive manufacturers of Shaker hoods, and Mr. Bartlet was with them at different times during the space of three years. He next went to Turner’s Falls, where he was engaged with his brothers in learning the painter’s trade. He continued at that occupation for three years. In 1872 he entered the employment of Gray & Sons, fishing rod manufacturers, receiving at first seventy-five cents per day. His wages were increased as he advanced in proficiency; and in less than a year after entering the factory he was receiving two dollars per day. Though he commenced in a humble capacity, he made such rapid progress through the various departments that on January 1, 1874, he was made superintendent of the factory. He later became a stockholder in the concern, and finally obtained possession of the whole business. He subsequently enlarged the factory, and placed it in the hands of a stock company, known as the Montague City Rod Manufactory. Although Mr. Bartlet is a large stockholder and a Director, he continues to act as superintendent; and each department is conducted under his personal supervision. The company has factories located in Pelham, Montague City, Mass., and in Postville, Vt., and manufactures all kinds of fishing rods except steel ones. The Pelham factory employs forty-five work-men the year round. Its products are shipped to various parts of New England and to New York City. During the season of 1893 and 1894 this factory alone completed seventy-five thousand rods, of two hundred and fifty different styles. This concern is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, and its present flourishing condition is due principally to the skill and business ability of Mr. Bartlet.

Mr. Bartlet is a Republican in politics, and has served as a Selectman and Assessor for two terms. He is a member of Pacific Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of the Northampton Commandery.

On July 8, 1874, Mr. Bartlet was united in marriage to Jennie Ward, daughter of Joseph and Amanda A. Ward. Joseph Ward was a prosperous farmer and a lifelong resident of Pelham. He owned and operated a stone quarry, and was a well-known citizen. He died in Pelham, at over seventy years of age. His wife, who survives him, now resides with Mr. Bartlet. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlet have two children, namely: Lotta A., wife of R. M. Aldridge, who is employed in the factory; and Jessie E., who resides at home. Mr. Bartlet contributes liberally to the support of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Bartlet is a member.