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.
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.
[2] Hartley was a member of the Presbyterian Church since his youth and joined the Young People's Missionary Society whilst in his teens.
[Note 1] Living In New York in 1824 he became a member of the Central Presbyterian Church and helped to distribute religious literature.
Hartley later became a ruling elder at the Central Presbyterian Church at Broome Street and was instrumental in the move to Madison Square in 1854.
The association's mission was to help people find their way out of impoverishment, providing guidance, advice and the bare minimum of charitable aid.
Over the following years the association's scope expanded to include medical aid, tenement housing, child protection, hygiene, sanitary improvements, relief for the disabled and support for soldiers and sailors injured during the Civil War.
Other work included a census on social conditions in the city and a report on the situation of those who were crowded together in damp and badly ventilated cellars.