Nathaniel Batchelder, was the son of Nathaniel Bachiler and Hester Mercer. He came to Hampton, New Hampshire early in life. His grandfather Stephen Bachiler founded and settled the town of Hampton, New Hampshire at the age of 80.
He married Deborah Smith, daughter of John Smith, of Martha's Vineyard, on Dec. 10, 1656. She died Mar.8, 1676. He remarried Mary Wyman of Woburn, Massachusetts on Oct. 31, 1676. She was the widow of John Wyman and the daughter of Rev. Thomas Carter. His third marriage was to Elizabeth, widow of John Knill, on Oct. 23, 1689. She survived him. He died suddenly, Jan. 17, 1710, aged about eighty years. The following anecdote is told of him : When, after the death of his first wife, he had determined to marry again, he resolved to be governed in his choice by the direction in which his staff, held perpendicularly over the floor, should fall, when dropped from his hand. The experiment being tried, the staff fell towards the southwest, and in that direction he bent his steps. Having traveled as far as Woburn, he called on the widow Wyman, and offered her his hand, stating: that he was going to Boston, and would call for her answer, on his return.
He was twice, chosen constable; and was one of the selectmen nine years.
Children :
Deborah, b. Oct. 12, 1657; m. Joseph Palmer
Nathaniel b. Dec. 24, 1659; m. Elizabeth Foss; d. 1745.
Ruth,b. May 9, 1662-d.Jan. 11, 1752. m.James Blake
Esther, b. Feb. 22, 1665 [m. Samuel Shaw ?].
Abigail, b. Dec. 28, 1667; m. John Dearborn ; d. Nov. 13, 1736.
Jane, b. Jan. 8, 1670; m. Benjamin Lamprey
Stephen, b. July 31, d. Dec. 7, 1672.
Benjamin b. Sept. 19, 1673; m. Susanna Page; d. Jan. 12, 1718.
Stephen b. Mar. 8, 1676; m. Mary Dearborn; d. Sept. 19, 174S.
Mercy, b. Dec. 11, 1677; m. Samuel Dearborn
Mary, b. Sept. 18, 1679; d. young.
Samuel b. Jan. 10, 1681; m. Elizabeth Davis.
Jonathan m. Sarah Blake.
Theodate, m. Morris Hobbs
Thomas b. ab. 1685 or '86; m., 1st, MaryMoulton; 2d, Sarah Tuck; d. Feb. 10, 1764.
Joseph b. Aug. 9, 1687; m. Mehetabel Marston; d. Oct. 26, 1750.
Mary, b. Oct. 17, 1688.