Josiah Bartlett

Josiah Bartlett was born at Amesbury, Massachusetts, in November, 1729. He studied medicine, and at the age of twenty-one commenced its practice at Kingston, New Hampshire. He soon became eminent in his profession, and was distinguished for his skill and success in the treatment of diseases incident to his climate. He was a man of strong mind, and his opinions were formed with deliberation and adhered to with firmness.

He was elected to the Provincial Legislature of New Hampshire, and was a member of the Committee of Safety. In 1775 he was chosen a delegate to the Continental Congress, and was present at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. He was the first to vote for it after the President of Congress, and was the first to affix his signature, being the first on the roll after the President.

He continued in Congress until 1778, when he returned to New Hampshire and resumed his professional duties. He was afterward Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and subsequently of the Supreme Court of New Hampshire. In 1790 he was elected President of the State, and in 1793 was chosen Governor under the new Constitution. He discharged the duties of these offices with great ability.

He died May 19, 1795, in the sixty-sixth year of his age.

Source:
Lossing, Benson J. The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. New York: A.S. Barnes & Co., 1855. Patriot Echoes Archive