Hon. Joseph BATCHELLER

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He was born in England and emigrated to America in 1636, coming from Canterbury. He came with his wife, Elizabeth, one child and three servants, and brothers Henry and john. He settled first in Salem and later in Westham. He was made freeman in 1637, was deputy to the General Court in Boston in 1644. being the first representative from the town of Wenham. The inventory of his estate taken March 31, 1657, is on file in the Salem probate office in a very mutilated condition. In a list headed "A true roll or list of names, surnames, and qualities of all such persons who have taken passage from the town and port of Sandwich for the American plantations, since the last certificate of such passengers returned into the office of Dover castle. Henry Bachelor of Dover, brewer, and Martha, his wife, 4 servants. Joseph Bachelor of Canterbury, taylor, and Elizabeth, his wife, 1 child, 3 servants. john Bachelor, of Canterbury, taylor." The church at Wenham was organized Oct. 8, 1644, and Joseph Batcheller was one of the members. His wife Elizabeth, was admitted to membership on the 17th of November, 1644. His brother, John Bachelor, from Canterbury, Kent Co., came to Salem in the same vessel at the same time. In the record of a case of church discipline in the Wenham church occurs this: "In ye mene space it pleased God to take to himself brother Batchel, a man wise, moderate, and very able to be helpful in such cases." - Church record, pp. 84. "He was a prominent and useful man i the plantation." - History of Wenham, pp. 28 and 29. "Goodman Batcheller he was often called. This was a common appellation among the men, about 1640 and thereabouts, excepting when hey addressed their minister, magistrate or any militia officer of higher grade than lieutenant, to whom they applied the title "Mister". "Goodwife" or "Goody" were the terms applied to women excepting when they addressed the wives of those before mentioned, whom they called "Madam", and the appellation. Mrs. was place before names of both married and unmarried omen when it was written. On the inventory it is written that he died ten years ago, which would make it that he died in 1647.

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth ?. Elizabeth was born in England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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John Batcheller was one of the jury that tried the famous witchcraft cases in Salem. With the other members of the jury, in 1692 he signed a statement asking forgiveness for the error of their judgment. The Jury had acted in conformity with their obligations and honest convictions of duty in bringing in their verdicts. They had sworn to decide according to the law and the evidence. The law under which they were required to act was laid down with absolute positiveness by the Court. They were bound to receive it, and to take and weigh the evidence that was admitted, and to their minds it was clear, decisive, and overwhelming, offered by the persons of good character, and confirmed by a great number of confessions. It is had been within their province, as it always is declared not to be, to discuss the general principles, and set in judgment on the particular penalties of law, it would not have altered the case, for, at that time, not only the common people, but the wisest philosophers, supported the interpretation of the law that acknowledged the existence of witchcraft, and its sanction that visited it with death....

John married Mary DENNIS on 1 Jul 1661. Mary died on 26 Jun 1665. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Sarah GOODALE on 4 May 1666. Sarah died on 22 Mar 1729. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]