Son of Nathaniel Batson and Nancy Ralston

Married Esther A. Smallbrook 15 Dec 1864 Wells County, IN.
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Bluffton, Indiana Bluffton Chronicle
Wednesday, February 1, 1911 – P4C4

Martin Batson Died Monday Evening

Death Came After Long Decline From Bright's Disease

Martin VanBuren Batson, the farther of City Engineer B. A. Batson, died Monday evening about five o'clock at his home on West Cherry street. Death was due to Bright's disease and came after four or five years of declining health. Mr. Batson had not been strong since he experienced a light stroke of paralysis several years ago. For the last few months he has been failing perceptibly and it became apparent several days ago that the end was a matter of hours.

Mr. Batson was born in Jackson township, Wells County, on August 26, 1843, the son of Nathaniel and Nancy (Ralston) Batson. He was reared and educated in Wells County and engaged in the avocation of a farmer. In 1863 he was united in marriage to Miss Hester Stonebrook, who survives him. In 1876 Mr. and Mrs. Batson moved to Bluffton and made their home in their residence on West Cherry Street. Since residing in this city Mr. Batson has been employed at his trade, carpentry. He also has worked as an assistant to his son, B. A. Batson, in his work as city engineer. Mr. Batson served several years as a member of the city council.

Surviving him are his widow, two children, B.A. Batson and Mrs. Ida Brickley, and two brothers and sisters—Benjamin Batson, of Mt. Zion and Mrs. Eliza Roush, of Mt. Zion.

Mr. Batson was a member of the Universalist church and for a time was a member of several orders although he had allowed his membership in the fraternal organizations to lapse.

The funeral services will be held this morning at the Sugar Grove Church, near Mt. Zion, and the interment will be in the Batson graveyard. The cortege will leave the residence here at 9:30 o'clock. Rev. H. B. Diefenbach, of this city, will have charge of the services.

(Thanks to David Huffman for OBIT)