DAVID O. and JAMES E. BATCHELOR, the well known editors and proprietors of the Salem Herald-Advocate, one of the leading Democratic papers of the county, are progressive and public-spirited citizens, and are exercising a marked influence on the affairs of their community.
David O., the elder of the above firm, was born October 3, 1865, in Johnson County, Ind. He is the son of Henry Batchelor, a native of Pennsyvania, where his birth occurred in 1821. He was a cooper by trade, and when establishing a home of his own was married to the mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary Gray. Mrs. Batchelor was born in 1826,. in Edinburgh, Scotland, and emigrated to the United States in company with her parents. After her marriage she removed with her husband to Lawrence County, Ind.; thence later to Franklin City, Johnson County, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1876, and the father living until 1880.
The parental family of our subjects included nine children, all of whom are living with one exception. They are:
Henry Batchelor was active in all public affairs of his community, and in politics always voted the straight Republican ticket.
David O. Batchelor received his primary education in the common schools of Franklin County, and later completed his studies in the Central Normal College at Danville, Ind. Being thus admirably qualified to teach school, he followed that occupation -for one year in Shelby County and four years in Johnson County. At the expiration of that time, David entered the Pennsylvania Railroad office in Edinburgh, Ind., in the capacity of clerk, which position he held for only a year, it being his intention to become a printer and publisher. With this end in view he went to Franklin, in the above state, and for some time worked in the office of the Franklin Democrat, and later became local editor in the office of the Franklin Republican. October 19, 1891, he came to Salem, and purchasing the Herald-Advocate from its proprietors, Merritt & Pyles, he, in company with his brother James E., has since been successfully engaged in its publication.
October 14, 1891, David O. Batchelor and Miss Hattie Mann were united in marriage. The lady was born June 30, 1868, in Shelby County, Ind., and was given a fine education in the schools of her native county. By her union with Mr. Batchelor she has become the mother of one child, Orren B., who was born July 21, 1892. Mrs. Batchelor is a member of the Baptist Church and is an exemplary and devout Christian. Her husband is a strong Democrat in politics, and socially is prominently connected with the Knights of Pythias.
James E. Batchelor, junior member of the firm of Batchelor Bros., was born March 14, 1868, in Johnson County, Ind., and received his education in the city schools of Franklin. June 9, 1884, he entered the office of the Franklin Democrat, where he learned the " art preservative," and where he remained until January 19, 1892, when he came to Salem and joined his brother in the publication of their present paper.
The lady to whom James E. was married, September 30, 1890, was Miss Estella Newton, also born in Johnson County. Ind., and the daughter of James and Minerva Newton. In religious matters Mr. Batchelor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his good wife worships with the Baptist congregation in Salem.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 331 - 332
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer