Part 3/12:
Within a few years, he ascended through the ranks, managing requests and sales, demonstrating a rare commitment to the craft. By 1869, at only 25, Bartlett earned a partnership in Tuttle, Hibbard & Company, a wholesale hardware firm. His early career momentum coincided with a pivotal event: the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which razed much of the city. However, Bartlett’s steadfast communication with distant suppliers, assuring them of continued business, helped his company survive the disaster—further fueling its growth amid the city’s reconstruction.