BATMAN, William F. - Putnam

Dr. William F. Batman, physician and surgeon, of Ladoga, Montgomery County, Indiana was born near Bainbridge, in Putnam County, Indiana Oct 22, 1858. His ancestors were from Great Britain, probably from Wales. His parents were Elijah A. and Lydia (GILLEN) Batman. Elijah A. Batman was a native of Putnam Co, was a son of Thomas and Sarah (CORNELL) Batman. Thomas Batman and wife came from near Louisville, KY in pioneer times and settled near Bainbridge and there established their home. Sarah (Cornell) Batman was one of the same family that gave the name to Cornell University. Her parents were William and Mary Cornell. Her father, William Cornell was born in 1762, and at the age of 15 enlisted in the NY State troops to fight for the Colonies in the War for Independence. He saw much hard service, came into close touch with George Washington, whom he fairly idolized; and even in his old age he was ready to resent and even to fight at any slur against the name of Washington. Elijah A. Batman grew up near Bainbridge, and became a well known farmer and stock raiser. He was a man of good size and physique, weighed about 200 pounds and was finely formed and handsome in appearance.

His life was spent in Putnam Co, In where he was highly thought of and respected. His last days were spent in Roachdale, where his death occurred. Dr. Batman's mother, Lydia (GILLEY - sic) Batman, was a daughter of Willis Y. Gillen and Melinda (COOMBS) Gillen. The Combs women were famous beauties in their day and lived near Mt. Sterling, KY, in a region noted for fair women. Her father came to Putnam Co in pioneer times and there she was reared to womanhood. Dr. William F. Batman grew to manhood on the home farm near Bainbridge, and there laid the foundation for a strong constitution that has stood him so well in hand in the practice of his arduous professional duties. His early education was received in the common schools and Bainbridge Academy. At the age of 17 he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. R. French STONE, then of Bainbridge, now of Indianapolis, a physician of much learning, a writer of note and later a professor in the Central College of Physicials and Surgeons at Indianapolis. He studied 3 years with Dr. Stone, then in 1878 entered Rush Medical college at Chicago where he was taught in surgery by such eminent authorities as GUNNN and PARKES (?), and took a special course in chemistry under Professor HAINES.

The following year he entered Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, an institution that was second to none at that time. The faculty included a number of the most eminent physicians of their day, men like Dr. S. D. GROSS; J.M. DeCOSTA and Robert BARTHALOW. While there he also took a special course in surgery under Dr. J. Ewing MEARS, one of the most eminent surgeons of Philadelphia. Dr. Batman was graduated from Jefferson Medical College in March 1880 and then entered upon the practice of medicine at Roachdale, being associated with Dr. W. C. HARRIS.

After 3 years practice at Roachdale, Dr. Batman went to Bellevue Hospital, NY City, where he received a certificate in Physical Diagnosis. In this subject he was instructed by Prof. Edward JANEWAY. He also attended lectures and saw special operations at the Woman's Hospital, by the famous Dr. T. Gaillard THOMAS and took a special course of instruction from this famous specialist. He saw Dr. Emmett's operations in Gynecology. He attended the clinical lectures of LOOMIS and OTIS and heard the last course of lecture delivered by the late Prof. Austin FLINT. Being by this time well prepared in all branches of medicine and surgery, Dr. Batman returned to active practice in Roachdale, 1884. There he remained 6 years, building up a large practice. In the Fall of 1889, he removed to Ladoga, where he has practiced ever since, having practiced at Ladoga longer than any other physician now here. He has an exceptionally well equipped office; and not withstanding the fact that his practice is large and its demands often arduous, he has remained a close student of the developments of his profession, and keeps up with the advances in the practice.

While in Putnam Co, he was president of the Putnam Co. Medical Society. He belongs to the Montgomery Co. Medical Society and the Indiana State Med. Soc. In 1890 he was delegate from this County to the American Medical Association at Nashville, Tenn. In 1896 and 97 he was VP of the State Medical Society. His contributions to professional literature relate to important papers and reports of cases, which have been read before the organizations with which he is connected. Close application to his profession has not made him narrowest He is active in theDemocrat party, of which he is a staunch adherent. In lodges, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Masons both at Ladoga. In Masonry he has taken every degree of the York Rite, his membership in the Chapter and Knights Templar being at Crawfordsville. He is also a Noble of the Mysitic Shrine, his membership being at Murat Temple in Indianapolis.

Dr. born is a great lover of music and became a skilled violinist. From his southern ancestry he inherits their fondness for fine horses, of which he is a judge, and usually he has a valuable string of them in his stable. Aug 29, 1882, Dr. born was united in marriage with Miss Ida F. Harris, daughter of his old partner at Roachdale, Dr. W. C. Harris and Jane (DODD) Harris. Her father was an old and popular physician of Roachdale and well known. She was born and reared in Putnam Co, where she received a good education.

Dr. Batman and wife have one daughter, Mabel T., wife of Earl M. HARSHBARGER of Ladoga. For those who know Dr. Batman, no comment is necessary, either as to his character or as to his standing as a physician. However, history being written more for those who shall come after us, it is proper to say that he seems to be not only well educated as a physician, but naturally adapted to the practice, in which he is unusually successful. As a man in his community, he is regarded as unselfish, public spirited, a good neighbor and a thorough gentleman of upright character.

Batman, William F. Jefferson Medical College, Phila, Pa, 1880

Obit. J. Ind. State Med. Assn. v.14;394 1921 7 15 977 Putnam (Roachdale 1886) / Boone (Lebanon)

P1886 / ISBH 1898

Record # 89204, 19th and 20th Century Indiana Physicians