Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 400

Henry F. Batcheller, manufacturer, Rock Falls, was born Jan. 13, 1834, in Peninsula, Ohio. His parents were Daniel F. and Caroline (Maynard) Batcheller, natives of Vermont, who moved to Ohio in 1837. Daniel F. was a carpenter by trade, and owned a farm at Peninsula, where his wife died, in 1838. The subject of this sketch came to Sterling with his father and family, where they remained five years. They then bought an 80-acre farm in Coloma, where they resided until the death of the father. Henry F. remained at his parental home until of legal age, receiving a common-school education and learning the carpenter’s trade, of his father, with whom he worked until 1867. He commenced the manufacture of corn-planters, on a style of which he had received a patent in 1859. At first he manufactured only by hand, but by 1873 the increase of his business enabled him to erect a shop, with machinery, which he is now conducting. In addition he manufacturers dog-powers, churns and other dairy appliances. A year ago he also added a foundry, and during the year 1884 he did a business amounting to $30,000. He has bought three lots adjoining one another, and at present his buildings cover the ground of all three.

In his political views Mr. B. is a Republican, has held the office of Supervisor since 1873, has been School Director, etc. He is one of the representative men of Rock Falls, and deeply interested in the public weal. He attends religious services at the Protestant Episcopal Church.

He was married July 1, 1852, to Mary McNeil, a native of Scotland, and they have had three children, namely: Addison M., who is married and lives at Rock Falls; Imogene M. and Carrie Fay.