George H. C. Batchelor, Secretary of the Burlington Wire Mattress Company, of Burlington, Iowa, was born in Plymouth, Devonshire, England, on the 5th of May, 1846, and is a son of Joseph and Annie (Webber) Batchelor, both of whom were natives of Devonshire. In his native England our subject grew to manhood, receiving but a common-school education, and at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to learn the trade of painter, soon becoming a first-class workman. In 1866 he emigrated to America, locating in Chicago, Ill., following his trade for about a year and a half, when he was called home on account of the death of his mother.
While in England our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Burgoyne, and in 1868 the young couple crossed the Atlantic, making their home in Chicago for ten years, when they removed to Burlington. On account of failing health Mr. Batchelor had to abandon his business, and while in Chicago purchased the right to make the machines of the wire mattress in Iowa and Kansas, and to have full control of the territory. Not having money sufficient to start the business he visited several of the wealthy men of Burlington, but could obtain no financial aid, and finally, renting a small building he set up in business for himself. The plan of operation was to make a few mattresses, start out and sell them, in the meantime taking more orders, and traveling from town to town on foot. By perseverance and untiring zeal he worked on, surmounting all difficulties, overcoming all obstacles, and from the little stock in trade has grown one of the most prosperous business interests in the city.
Mr. Batchelor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Des Moines Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and also a member of Iowa Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M. Politically, he is a Republican, and entirely without his solicitations the people of the county showed their appreciation of his worth and character by nominating him for County Treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor have no children of their own but have one adopted daughter, Mamie.
While in England our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Burgoyne, and in 1868 the young couple crossed the Atlantic, making their home in Chicago for ten years, when they removed to Burlington. On account of failing health Mr. Batchelor had to abandon his business, and while in Chicago purchased the right to make the machines of the wire mattress in Iowa and Kansas, and to have full control of the territory. Not having money sufficient to start the business he visited several of the wealthy men of Burlington, but could obtain no financial aid, and finally, renting a small building he set up in business for himself. The plan of operation was to make a few mattresses, start out and sell them, in the meantime taking more orders, and traveling from town to town on foot. By perseverance and untiring zeal he worked on, surmounting all difficulties, overcoming all obstacles, and from the little stock in trade has grown one of the most prosperous business interests in the city.
Mr. Batchelor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Des Moines Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and also a member of Iowa Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M. Politically, he is a Republican, and entirely without his solicitations the people of the county showed their appreciation of his worth and character by nominating him for County Treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor have no children of their own but have one adopted daughter, Mamie.
George H. C. Batchelor, Secretary of the Burlington Wire Mattress Company, of Burlington, Iowa, was born in Plymouth, Devonshire, England, on the 5th of May, 1846, and is a son of Joseph and Annie (Webber) Batchelor, both of whom were natives of Devonshire. In his native England our subject grew to manhood, receiving but a common-school education, and at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to learn the trade of painter, soon becoming a first-class workman. In 1866 he emigrated to America, locating in Chicago, Ill., following his trade for about a year and a half, when he was called home on account of the death of his mother.
While in England our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Burgoyne, and in 1868 the young couple crossed the Atlantic, making their home in Chicago for ten years, when they removed to Burlington. On account of failing health Mr. Batchelor had to abandon his business, and while in Chicago purchased the right to make the machines of the wire mattress in Iowa and Kansas, and to have full control of the territory. Not having money sufficient to start the business he visited several of the wealthy men of Burlington, but could obtain no financial aid, and finally, renting a small building he set up in business for himself. The plan of operation was to make a few mattresses, start out and sell them, in the meantime taking more orders, and traveling from town to town on foot. By perseverance and untiring zeal he worked on, surmounting all difficulties, overcoming all obstacles, and from the little stock in trade has grown one of the most prosperous business interests in the city.
Mr. Batchelor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Des Moines Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and also a member of Iowa Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M. Politically, he is a Republican, and entirely without his solicitations the people of the county showed their appreciation of his worth and character by nominating him for County Treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor have no children of their own but have one adopted daughter, Mamie.
While in England our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Burgoyne, and in 1868 the young couple crossed the Atlantic, making their home in Chicago for ten years, when they removed to Burlington. On account of failing health Mr. Batchelor had to abandon his business, and while in Chicago purchased the right to make the machines of the wire mattress in Iowa and Kansas, and to have full control of the territory. Not having money sufficient to start the business he visited several of the wealthy men of Burlington, but could obtain no financial aid, and finally, renting a small building he set up in business for himself. The plan of operation was to make a few mattresses, start out and sell them, in the meantime taking more orders, and traveling from town to town on foot. By perseverance and untiring zeal he worked on, surmounting all difficulties, overcoming all obstacles, and from the little stock in trade has grown one of the most prosperous business interests in the city.
Mr. Batchelor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Des Moines Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and also a member of Iowa Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M. Politically, he is a Republican, and entirely without his solicitations the people of the county showed their appreciation of his worth and character by nominating him for County Treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor have no children of their own but have one adopted daughter, Mamie.
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