Doctor Josiah Bartlett:
Physician, Patriot, and Founding Father
Josiah Bartlett (1729–1795) was more than just a signer of the Declaration of Independence — he was a respected physician, a committed patriot, and an early architect of American governance. Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, he moved to Kingston, New Hampshire, where he would spend most of his life practicing medicine and participating in colonial politics.
Early Life and Medical Career
Bartlett began studying medicine in his teenage years, eventually establishing a thriving practice in New Hampshire. He quickly gained a reputation for both his skill and compassion. During a smallpox epidemic, he was one of the first in the colonies to inoculate patients — a risky but forward-thinking medical practice at the time.
Role in the American Revolution
Bartlett was deeply involved in the colonial resistance against British rule. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1775 and again in 1776. When the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, Bartlett was the second person to sign the document, right after John Hancock — and the first to sign as a representative from New Hampshire.
At the bottom of this page is a high resolution image of the Declaration of Independence. Scroll down and zoom in to see Josiah Bartlett’s signature at the top right of the signatures.
Legacy
Josiah Bartlett passed away in 1795, but his legacy lives on:
- The town of Bartlett, New Hampshire is named in his honor.
- He is featured in various historical paintings and books about the Revolution.
- He inspired the fictional character President Josiah Bartlet (with a slightly different spelling) in the TV series The West Wing.
Post-Revolution Leadership
After the war, Bartlett helped draft the New Hampshire state constitution and became the state's chief justice. In 1790, he was elected the first governor of New Hampshire under the new constitution, emphasizing public education and the rule of law.
His leadership helped stabilize the young state in its formative years, and he continued to advocate for public health, civic responsibility, and unity among the new states.
The signing of the Declaration of Independence - painting by John Trumbull
The statue of Josiah Bartlett in Amesbury, MA
