Joseph Batten

JOSEPH BATTEN,* one of the successful business men of Scammon, engaged in the grocery and bakery line, who is also one of the city's highly esteemed citizen, was born in 1858 in England, and is a son of Richard and Mary (Richards) Batten.

The parents of Mr. Batten were both born in England and came to America in 1872, settling in Pennsylvania, where the father and sons found work in the coal mines. Our subject is one of the seven survivors of the family of 16 children, viz.: William, Mary, Richard, Phillius, Emily and George.

In 1880 our subject, accompanied by other members of the family, came to Kansas and settled in Mineral township, Cherokee County, where Joseph worked in the mines for two years. As this business did not agree with his health, he went to Meade County and there took up a homestead claim, but through some misunderstanding he lost this land and then located at Scammon.

Mr. Batten then accepted a position in the store of the Central Coal & Coke Company, beginning as driver of their delivery wagon, and, through faithfulness and energy, was promoted to be head clerk, a position he filled for five years. He was associated with this company for 11 years, enjoying the friendship and esteem of David Mackie, Sr., during all this time. In 1899, Mr. Batten established his grocery and bakery and has met with excellent success. He is regarded as one of the leading business men of the place and reliance is placed in his methods and his goods.

In 1882 Mr. Batten was married to Julia Hooper, who was also born in England, and all of their six children were born at Scammon, the five survivors being: Walter J., Albert E., Ernest H., William J. and Wesley J.

Politically Mr. Batten is a Republican and during 1902 was city clerk. He is assistant secretary of the Scammon Commercial Club and is fraternally connected with the Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He deserves much credit for his manly perseverance in the face of many early difficulties and the success he has attained is the result of his own efforts.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 6-27-97