James W. Batchelor 1864-1935

BATCHELOR, RAMSEY, FELLOWS, HORNBAKER, ANSON, WILSON, SIMMONS, REITH

Posted By: Volunteer: B. Evans
Date: 7/23/2014 at 19:37:59

Source: Van Buren County Genealogical Society, Obituary Book D, Page 17,
Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, Iowa

James W. Batchelor

James W. Batchelor, son of Geo. and Catherine Ramsey Batchelor was born in the Vernon Prairie neighborhood south of Bonaparte 22 Nov. 1861 and departed this life at his home in Bonaparte shortly after 5 O’clock Thursday afternoon April 25, 1935 aged 73 years 5 months and 3 days.

Practically all his life was lived in Van Buren County. On Nov. 12, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ellen Fellows, also of this county. For seventeen years they lived on the home farm where Mr. Batchelor was born, they then moved to Keosauqua and remained for a short time, then to Bonaparte which has since been their home. His wife preceded him in death Dec 17, 1929.

For several years Mr. Batchelor was engaged in the ???[sic] business in Bonaparte with his nephew, Merle Hornbaker. For several years past his health has not permitted him to engage in active employment, but he was always interested in things on his farm, and during the last few months he has spent much of his time with his niece, Mrs. O.A. Anson near Keosauqua.

When a young he joined the Masonic Order, the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen and retained his membership in those organization [sic] as long as he was able to do so.

Mr. Batchelor was one of eight children, only one sister, Mrs. Catherine Wilson of Astoria, Oregon who survives. One brother, John died in infancy and was buried in England where the parents then lived. The other sisters and brothers were Mrs. Mary Hornbaker, Mrs. Agnes Simmons who de-parted this life on 15 Mar 1935, George Batchelor, Mrs. Margaret Simmons, and Mrs. Emma Reith.

Besides the sister, there are left to mourn a number of nieces and nephews and many friends.

Although not a member of any denomination, he was a professed Christian. He was a helpful neighbor and a kind friend, and there are many who will be saddened by his going.

Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon April 29 at the M.E. Church in Bonaparte, Rev. Hayes of Keosauqua officiating. Internment [sic] was in Thompson Cemetery.

Mrs. Catherine Wilson and daughter came from Astonia [sic], Wash. to attend the funeral of her brother, arriving here Monday morning.

From Van Buren Record, Bonaparte, Iowa, Thurs. 2 May, 1935 Pg. 6, Col 2.