My grandfather, Claude Manning, was a principal and vice-president in the Sumter Telephone Company in the early 1900's. He left Sumter ca. 1915, for a business obliquely related to the telephone business and the first automobile in Sumter (I believe also in South Carolina) which he owned. My uncle has told me that during the 20's in South Orange, NJ that very close friends were Bartletts. He wondered if there was a connection to the Sumter Bartletts. He also, asks if any of the original telephone company buildings still stand at that location?--Bob Manning rcmjr@aol.com In a message dated 2/18/00 11:44:53 AM Eastern Standard Time, SCSUMTER-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: << Roots Web : Bartlette Street here in Sumter is named for a Mrs. Barltett or Bartlette that had a home on this street....it either was near or where the Sumter Telephone Co...(now Moise Mini-Warehouses) are.....The Rev. Bartlette is Presbyterian....so that may be a clue...There was a Chas. Bartlett that lost all the funds in Sumter's first bank....his father was Pres. Minister.....all the money was repaid..have never done this story....but fancinating to me.....his wife was from Texas....and they may have gone out there when their troubles were over....but speculation on my part.....I also have some things on the Sumter Female Institute or academy....went out of business in l902... historical sign on Washington Street......this one established in l867... all that I can remember for now.....mayorbubba@sumter.net >>