George Batchelor 1820-1907

BATCHELOR, RAMSEY, SIMMONS, HORNBAKER, REITH, WILSON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 4/6/2015 at 12:33:49

George Batchelor.

George Batchelor, the subject of this sketch, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, April 18, 1820. At the age of eighteen months, he with his parents crossed the ocean to Scotland. When thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to a sailor, traversing the “high seas” for about eighteen years.

He was married to Miss Catherine Ramsey at Newcastle, England, April 18, 1841. To them were born eight children, five girls and three boys. John and Mary were born in Newcastle, England. In 1844 they moved to New York City, where George, Agnes, and Margaret were born. In 1851 they moved to Cincinati, Ohio, residing here ten months, coming to Van Buren Co. Iowa, in 1852. Here Emma, James, and Catharine were born. John, George, and Mrs. Margaret Simmons preceded him to the better land. Mrs. Mary Hornbaker, James Batchelor, and Mrs. Agnes Simmons were present at the funeral. Mrs. Emma Reith and Mrs. Catherine Wilson living in Oregon were unable to attend.

Mr. Batchelor enlisted in Co. I. 19th iowa Infantry August 14, 1862, and on account of disability was discharged Feb. 23, 1863, returning to his home in Van Buren Co., Iowa.

Catherine, his first wife died Jan. 5, 1851 [should be 1891]. On July 20, 1895, he was married to Mrs. Jane Reith who still survives. Since last Nov. he has been confined to the house, becoming rapidly weaker until the last passing away at his home in Bentonsport, Ia., Feb. 28, 1907, at 6 o’clock P.M. at the age of 86 yrs., 10 months and 10 days. The cause of his death was cancer of the stomach.

He was a member of the Presbyterian church for a number of years.

Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church in Bentonsport, Sunday, March 3, conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. S. McElhinny, assisted by his friend Rev. Lewis of Kansas. He was a membe of Shriver Post G.A.R. who also assisted at the funeral. He was laid to rest by the sid of his first wife in the Thompson Cemetery.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA