The Bristol Bank
The Bartlett family was one of Bristol’s oldest and most prominent. Levi Bartlett was born in 1807 and lived until 1868. Mr. Bartlett was a businessman and was also very involved in town politics. In 1844, Levi Bartlett was nominated selectman for Bristol. During his time involved in town politics, he was still pursuing real estate opportunities. In 1848, he erected a building on the west side of North Street, which was used for child education and was known as the academy. Levi Bartlett also kept track of land that was being auctioned off or sold for taxes. In 1849, he bought a parcel.
In 1856, Levi Bartlett became the town clerk and the treasurer for the town of Bristol. Bartlett also was on the board of directors and was the only director who lived in Bristol. Levi Bartlett was also a huge advocate of the railroad being built in Bristol. Bartlett was very influential in the community; the people trusted his opinions and put him in positions of power to make the right choices. The town looked to him to bring new people into the town. In 1860, Levi Bartlett was elected as the town representative. One of his most significant proposals was to establish a Bristol Bank.
In June 1861, Levi Bartlett and others petitioned for the Bristol Bank to be constructed. On July 1st, 1868, the Bristol Bank was incorporated. The Bristol Bank was commissioned to do business for a 20-year term. The bank was able to hold real estate and make loans. This was a huge step for Bristol because now more business could be done within the town. More real estate transactions took place, which led to the growth of Levi Bartlett’s business/investments.
Levi Bartlett was a very influential member of the town of Bristol. He was involved in the construction of many buildings within the town. Levi Bartlett helped, along with many others, expand Bristol into what it is today. The history of how businesses came to be is completely connected to what they are today. Knowing the history of a town can open up new stories of the people who shaped it. Levi Bartlett was an influential member in the growth of the town of Bristol, NH.
Lily Hamel, Plymouth State University, 2020
References:
Musgrove, Richard W. History of the Town of Bristol, Grafton County, New Hampshire in Two Volumes. La Vergne, TN: Kessinger Publishing.
Journals of the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives By New Hampshire. General Court