Discover the inspiring journey of Hiram E. Batterson, born in 1864 in Steuben County, Indiana, as he transforms from a boy facing early hardships to a respected farmer and community member in Jefferson Township. Overcoming educational and financial barriers, Batterson’s determination and hard work lead him to success on a 119-acre farm. Married to Sarah E. Dick in 1885, their life and legacy, including their descendants, exemplify the impact of perseverance and community involvement.
Hiram E. Batterson. — The general public has ever taken great pleasure in tracing the history of a man who started on life’s career handicapped in many ways, but who, notwithstanding innumerable obstacles, pushed forward manfully and finally reached the goal of success set before him. The career of the widely-known and public-spirited citizen whose name appears above affords an impressive example of what energy, directed and controlled by correct principles, can accomplish in overcoming an unfavorable start and lifting its possessor from a comparatively humble origin to a position of usefulness and independence.
Hiram E. Batterson, whose fine farm of 119 acres is located in section 26, Jefferson Township, was born in Steuben County, Indiana, on July 17, 1864, and he is the son of Martin V. and Julia A. (Miller) Batterson. The condition of the family exchequer was such that he was denied many of the advantages desirable in youth and at twelve years of age he was thrown upon his own resources. Therefore his educational facilities were at that time exceedingly limited, though in a large sense this deficiency has been made up during the subsequent years by habits of intelligent reading and close observation of men and events. He worked faithfully and steadily at whatever he could find to do during this period and conscientiously saved every cent which he could possibly spare above his actual necessities, for he was ambitious. His first real stride forward was when he entered the normal school at Fayette, Fulton County, Ohio, where he prepared himself for the teaching profession. He then taught one term of school in Williams County, and when not so employed he worked at outside employment. On his marriage, in 1885, he settled on the Dick homestead, where his wife had been born and reared, and they have continued to reside there to the present time. The place comprises 119 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land, on which Mr. Batterson raises a general line of crops and also engages to some extent in stock raising. He is energetic and progressive in his methods and is held in high repute as a successful farmer.
On January 21, 1885, Mr. Batterson was married to Sarah E. Dick, who was born on September 9, 1852, on the farm where she now lives. She is the daughter of Abraham and Lucy A. (Altaffer) Dick. To Mr. and Mrs. Batterson have been born two children, namely: Iva P., who is a graduate of Ohio State University and is now teaching in the public schools of Cincinnati, Ohio; Ivan A. married Bessie G. Spence and they have three children, Frances L., Mabel E. and Lewis E.
Mr. and Mrs. Batterson are members of the German Reformed Church and Mr. Batterson is not a party man — in politics. He is a member of Pulaski Grange No. 2046. He gives his support to every enterprise for the advancement of the welfare of the community and is a stockholder in the Pulaski Grain Elevator Company. His success has been achieved by close attention to business and by an honorable and consistent course he has steadily risen in the esteem of the community, his fellow men appreciating the efforts which he made towards success and his consistent, upright life.
Source: Bowersox, Charles A. ed. A standard history of Williams County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development , 2 vols. Publisher Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1920.