early girlhood. Unto this marriage were born two daughters and a son: Rose Elizabeth, now the wife of W. G. Stockwell, of Davenport, Iowa; Florence Belle, the wife of Dr. W. B. Lincoln, of Nashville, Tennessee; and Albert D., who is a musician, giving his whole time to band and orchestra work. The sisters are also possessed of superior musical talent.
Dr. Cramblit has resided at his present home at No. 915 Kellogg avenue for the past twenty-three years. He is a charter member of Ellsworth Post, No. 30, G. A. R., and he relates many interesting incidents of his army experience. He participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C., in 1865, when over broad Pennsylvania avenue there was suspended a banner bearing the words, "The only debt which the country owes that she cannot pay is the debt which she owes to her soldiers." He was among the number who volunteered to run the blockade at Vicksburg and helped fortify the fleet which made the run. The last bullet that was fired at Sherman's army was aimed at Dr. Cramblit, who was on the skirmish line just before darkness set in and after the Confederate troops had surrendered. He was at that time caring for a wounded comrade by an oak stump and the next day twelve bullets were found in that stump that had been fired at him. Dr. Cramblit, however, carried his comrade, Milton M. Turner, to Cambridge, Ohio, a distance of two miles, for the latter had lost much blood from having an arm shot away. In his fighting against the guerillas the Doctor had many narrow escapes, for the service was found a most difficult and dangerous one. He never faltered, however, in the performance of his duty and the same spirit of loyalty in citizenship has characterized his entire life, making him an honored resident of Story county.
C. A. BATMAN.
On the roster of county officials in Story county appears the name of C. A. Batman, county auditor of Story county. With the exception of a period of four years spent upon a farm near Nevada, he has been a life-long resident of this city, his birth having here occurred on the 15th of August, 1875. His parents were J. E. and Avanda (Purkheiser) Batman. The father was born in Kentucky, December 13, 1832, and the mother was a native of Indiana. They came to Iowa following their marriage and both died in Nevada, the mother passing away on the 10th of August, 1897, while the father survived until December 25, 1909. In their family were four children : A. A., of this city; Anna C., who is a school teacher in California; F. A., a farmer of Washington township; and C. A., of this review.
The youthful days of C. A. Batman were devoted to the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and such tasks as were as-