Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 5.

[p. 56] fun for the boys, and was a source of silent amusement for the older; whether he was pleading his case in court, or strolling along the streets, there ever emanated from him a succession of grunts, which have been described to me as similar to a ‘bark’ or ‘growl.’

Mr. Bartlett, or ‘Squire’ Bartlett, as was the fashion to call him, was at one time the only lawyer in Medford. He was indeed a typical and eccentric character.

He was not only lawyer, but also trial justice, a man of an unquestioned character and of considerable professional learning, and the conveyancer of the town. The townspeople had great faith and confidence in him. Faithful and thoroughly honest, he pursued his profession in Medford, occupying a little front room in that building next to the bank, now used by the city. His office was often the place of meeting of his many friends who congregated to discuss the town affairs and other matters of interest. When he held court, the boys would peek into his court-room in wonder and curiosity. There are yet living a few who remember well the curiosity with which they followed the movements of ‘Squire Bartlett’ and played jokes on him. He lived next to the Unitarian Church. The school yard was in close proximity to his orchard, and many the dissertation on law the old ‘Squire’ delivered to the school boys for having a fondness for his apples.

He was somewhat of a sportsman and fond of rabbits, and always ready to purchase them from the boys. He hung them up on nails by their tails in his office until they became ‘seasoned and gamy,’ and would drop from the nail, and would often strut up the street to his home with two or three rabbits well seasoned, for his table. Many are the tales told of the ‘old Squire,’ as he was remembered in his later days. He was a good scholar, and could quote his Latin with anyone.

Brooks writes: ‘Among the inhabitants of Medford, there has not probably been a man who has served the town in so many and responsible offices as this gentleman. ’