Joseph Van Pelt Bartles

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

JOSEPH VAN PELT BARTLES

Page 786

This citizen of Pottersville, Washington township, Morris county, is a representative of one of the old families of Hunterdon county, and is a son of Henry P. Bartles, who was born at New Germantown, New Jersey. His life was devoted largely to agricultural pursuits, and he was quite successful in his earlier and more vigorous years, but in later life he met with reverses and died, in 1844, rather poor in purse, but rich with friends and in respect of the community. His father was Andrew Bartles, a Hunterdon county farmer, and his father-in-law was Joseph Van Pelt, one of the heroes of the Revolution, who died in 1832. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Susan Van Pelt, had two children, Joseph Van Pelt, who was born August 25, 1822, and Deborah, decease wife of Samuel H. Pickle.

Mr. Bartles, of this sketch, acquired his education in the schools of New Germantown, Pottersville, and Parker. In his early life he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a time, and in 1847 he located on his present farm, while for fifty years he has had few interests not connected with the old homestead. All that he has achieved in his business life results from his own labors and careful management.

In the year 1847, Mr. Bartles was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Wise, daughter of George Wise, and she is deceased. Her children were as follows: Elias P., a merchant of Pottersville, who married Jane Fisher; Horace H., a farmer of Washington township, who married Louisa Apgar, a daughter of Conrood P. C. Apgar; Joseph, who wedded Elizabeth Teats; and Mary E., wife of George Rowe, of Hunterdon county. For his second wife, Mr. Bartles chose Euphemia, daughter of Samuel G. Huffman, of Middle Valley. She died June 23, 1897, leaving a son, Samuel Bartles.

The subject of this biography has been a life long Democrat of the old school and in his earlier years was a recognized leader of his party in his community. He cast his first presidential vote for James K. Polk in 1844 and has never but once failed to vote in the regular fall election, and that was in the autumn of 1892, when an injury prevented him from leaving home. He served his township as commissioner of appeals for many years, and also did valuable service on the town committee.

Transcribed by Christopher Cresta