Frank G. Bartlett, (1850-1932)

Often when we think of the old west we often think of outlaws and lawmen or of solders and Indians and famous battles, but what about the settlers and businessmen? How do you determine the historical importance of a person? Success is one measure. But there are other measures, such as what one devotes to the community, for example jobs, participation, expertise, and development. Mr. Frank G. Barret had all of these attributes. Another attribute he had was the desire to immerse himself into his work. Very early in his life he seemed to begin as an employee and rise into management in a short period of time. Apparently he was also a very hard worker as any of the following undertakings would be a full time job. So ambition must also be a measure of historical importance.

Arrival and Beginnings

Frank G. Bartlett was born near Litchfield, Maine, March 6, 1850. In Gardner, Maine he was engaged in flouring mill business from 1867-72. He moved to Denver, Colorado in 1873 and located in St. Louis, Missouri in 1873 where he was employed in the wholesale boot and shoe business from 1873-78.

Mr. Bartlett came to New Mexico in 1879, locating in Socorro County where he became engaged in the wool business, for which he continued along with many of his other enterprises. Early on, he saw the potential that Magdalena had to offer a businessman. He and Mr. John M. Tyler formed a partnership and were successful in many business undertakings in Magdalena. Surprisingly, compared to Mr. Bartlett, there is very little information available about Mr. Tyler. In New Mexico Territory census of 1885, they were both shown to live in Magdalena (Precinct 12). Mr. Tyler was married at the time.

Mining – Bartlett and Tyler

Surprisingly, most of Mr. Bartlett’s short biographies do not mention his involvement in mining. Apparently Mr. Bartlett and his partner got their start from the mining industry. In September 29, 1882, the following note was printed in The Albuquerque Morning Journal: “Bartlett & Tyler have evidently struck it very rich in the Limitars. They have been offered and refused $30,000 for their location.” Also in the 1891 Santa Fe daily New Mexican: “North of Magdalena, in the Pueblo district, Messrs. Bartlett & Tyler made a strike the other day, the first car load from which yielded them $27,000.” They also filed for other mining patents such as the Pearl, Candelaria, and Grand Ledge.

Bartlett Sawmill

Sometime between 1879 and 1884, Bartlett and Tyler established a sawmill at Point of Rocks Canyon. This sawmill was so important to the town of Magdalena, we devoted a special page to it.  One can click here to read about the sawmill.

Magdalena Businesses

Frank Bartlett erected the first building in Magdalena and conducted the first mercantile store, probably as an outlet for his lumber. However advertisements in the newspapers stated that they also sold pumps, pipes, windmill, saddles, wagons, and other hardware. He and Mr. Tyler founded the Ranch Supply Company.

Frank Bartlett also opened two or more hotels in Magdalena.

Mr. Bartlett opened a private bank in Magdalena 1883-1908 (Bank of Magdalena). He also was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Magdalena.

Stock and Sheep

According to the 1902 Socorro Chieftain: “Magdalena the Scene of the Largest and Most Important Assembly of the Woolgrowers Ever Convened in New Mexico. The Chieftain is favored by a special correspondent with the following report of the proceedings of the convention of wool-growers held in Magdalena Thursday: Magdalena, Feb. 27. Among the well-known sheep owners noticed at the meeting were Messrs. M. Cooney, Abran Abeyta, Solomon Luna, F. G. Bartlett, …”

Marriage

He married Mary S Ford in 1888. They regularly commuted between Magdalena and Socorro. In 1901 Mrs. Bartlett acquired the Virgil Rufina House, in Socorro, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Mary Bartlett owned the house until 1946.

Continuing work