Robert Milham Hartley

Robert Milham Hartley (1796–1881) was one of the co-founders the temperance movement in New York and during his life sought to improve the conditions and health of the poor. Early life and influences Hartley was born in Cockermouth, England February 17, 1796, the fourth child and eldest son of Isaac and Isabella (Johnson) Hartley. Hartley's father moved to America in 1797 and his family followed in 1799; they tried to carve out a living on new land in Charlton, Saratoga County, New York, but realised that they were not suited to this lifestyle. After about two years, Hartley’s father started a mercantile business in the nearby city of Schenectady, New York. A short while later they moved from the City into the country for health reasons, but this came too late for Hartley’s mother who died in about 1807. Hartley's father remarried in about 1812 and the family moved to Broadalbin, New York. At the age of 16, Hartley took a position with a woolen manufacturer 10 miles from home where he lived with the owner’s family. The location was isolated and lacked any form of religious ministry; Hartley considered that this had led to a lowering of moral standards in the community and joined with others in establishing regular prayer meetings. After 4 years Hartley returned to work for his father and later attended Fairfield Academy, Herkimer County. In 1822 he moved to New York and was employed in dry goods, later starting his own mercantile business. In 1824 he married Catherine Munson, daughter of the Hon. Reuben Munson and Abigail Wiltse. Career