Bartine was born in New York City on March 21, 1848, and his family moved to New Jersey in 1858. He attended the local schools until age 15, when he enlisted as a private in the 8th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He served from July 1863 until the end of the American Civil War, was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness, and was present at Appomattox Court House when the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered.