The Batemans

First generation: John Bateman (1) (1789-1855), Second generation: ‘John’ Wesley Bateman (2)  (1824-1909), Walter (1826-1882). Third generation: John Wesley Bateman (3) (1852-1907). Fourth generation: John Wesley Bateman (4) (1879-1947)

There have been several John Batemans in Western Australia. The first John Bateman (1789-1855) arrived at Fremantle, aged 40, in the sailing ship Medina in July 1830. With him came his wife, two sons, John and Walter, and three daughters, and he brought with them the materials to build a 3-roomed house. He was one of the first landowners of Fremantle, a member of the first Town Trust, formed In 1848 and also the first postmaster. John Bateman Snr died on 3 April 1855 and his wife took over his duties as postmaster.

His eldest son John Wesley (2) (1824-1909) was born in Sussex and was 7 years old when the family arrived here. His first venture was whaling, and he established whaling stations at Fremantle, Castle Rock, near Quindalup, and at Port Gregory, north of Geraldton.

While still engaged in the whaling business John Bateman, in association with his brother Walter (1826-1882), founded the firm of J. and W. Bateman c. 1857. The brothers embarked upon a shipping business and became the colony's principal importers and exporters. By 1859 the brothers, John and Walter were the Colony's leading importers and exporters, with their own fleet of sailing ships, becoming the biggest ship-owner in WA.

1867 We are informed that Messrs. J. and W. Bateman have chartered the Sea Nymph to proceed to the Mauritius with a full cargo of Timber. (reference)

They regularly sailed to Mauritius but also traded with Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. To these ports they shipped sandalwood, timber and horses on The Spinaway, the Sea Ripple, the Laughing Wave, the Flying Foam, the Rose and The Thistle amongst others. Walter Bateman succeeded his mother as postmaster from April 1855 to November 1861, served on the Town Trust in 1860, 1862, and 1864–65, and was chosen in Fremantle's first parliamentary election for nomination to the Legislative Council, where he sat from 1868 to 1870. He sold his share of the business to John in the early 1870’s.

John Bateman and his wife Rachel had 16 children between 1851 and 1878.

John Bateman left the management of the business to his son, Mr. John Wesley Bateman (2) (1852-1907), who in 1900 acquired the business for himself, and who, after conducting it for some years, died of food poisoning, two years before his father, in 1907. His wife Mary lived at ‘Sydenham‘, 72 Alexandra Rd, East Fremantle from 1921 until she died in 1941.

John Bateman, the founder of the firm, died in 1909, aged 85. The business was carried on by his trustees until 1919 when the company J. and W. Bateman, Ltd., was established by his grandson John Wesley Bateman (3) (1879-1947). (reference) From c 1917 J. W. Bateman (3) he lived at ‘Lockerley’, 56 Preston Point Road (no 32 after 1949) with wife Daisy Kate Augusta (who died there in 1940). “My mother (Thora Helen Jacobs nee Bateman) told me she was born in the house and her birthdate is 25/3/1917”-Gillian Nicholas 2022)

The family business finally ended in 1995 with the dissolution of J. & W. Bateman Pty. Ltd.

There has been a lot written about the Batemans –but our contribution is some of the more interesting newspaper articles about them:

1896 Old John Bateman of Fremantle is one of the wealthiest men in the Westralian Port. At the same time he is one of the humblest in attire. Once a well-known Melbourne commercial stepped off a steamer at Fremantle, and seeing old John and not knowing him asked him if he would carry his samples “round to Bateman's" which he believed to be close handy. The pair arrived at the old merchants office, and the bagman sent in to see "Mr. Bateman”. Old John, coming out of the office door said with a broad smile "I'm Mr Bateman, what can I do for you?". And the bagman after he recovered, left with a decent order. (reference)

1896 A SHIPPING CASE On Monday last Captain Stronach proceeded against John Bateman for the recovery of £50 wages, alleged to be due on account of breach of agreement. From the facts of the case as stated, Mr. Holdsworth, of Fremantle, on 4th of September 1894, wrote to Capt. Stronach, who was at the time in Newcastle, N.S.W., and out of work, and informed him that Mr. Bateman had promised he should receive command of the schooner Iris, on her return to Fremantle in two and a half months' time. Later on, Mr. Holdsworth received a wire from Capt. Stronach to say that he was coming to Fremantle. He replied to this, that Capt. Stronach had evidently misunderstood the tone of his letter, which contained nothing definite with regard to the Iris, the opinion of the writer being that although Mr. Bateman would no doubt keep to his work, the matter was not very clear, Capt. Stronach, however, came to Fremantle and was, according to his own statement, first of all promised by Mr, Bateman the command of the Iris, and afterwards of the Spinnaway, Mr. Bateman did not fulfil either promise, but kept Captain Stronach waiting on from day to day. The claim was for the wages which would have accrued from the round trip of the Iris from Fremantle via Albany to Singapore, Hong Kong, and back... (reference)

1896 The other day Mr. John Bateman, one of the leading men of Fremantle, asserted that if a railway were built from Esperance to Coolgardie the port of Fremantle might as well be shut up for all the trade it would get. Mr. Bateman forgets that long before an ounce of gold was found in the colony Fremantle had a big trade, and that the Esperance line would have no influence upon the trade all along the west and nor' west coasts. Then it would be well for Mr. Bateman, and those who think with him, to remember that if the port of Albany is not fully utilised in relieving the block at Fremantle, the demand for the building of the line from Esperance to Coolgardie will be irresistible… (reference)

1897 WHALING OFF FREMANTLE Much excitement was occasioned at Fremantle on Saturday morning in consequence of a report that a school of whales were disporting themselves a couple of miles northward of the harbour. Later inquiries elicited that the ‘school’ was composed of a large cow whale and calf, and that they had been seen for some hours from Cottesloe and North Fremantle, blowing close to the beach. The water was delightfully calm and the weather fine, and an excellent view was obtained of the ‘spouting’of the sea monster. Naturally the whaling instinct, which is far from dead in the breasts of many of the old residents of the port, was aroused. Among the old and most enthusiastic whalers at Fremantle are Mr. John Bateman, senior, and Mr. W. Willis. Very little time was allowed to elapse before Mr. Bateman equipped his little steamer Venus for a trip, and obtained the use of a whaleboat, which was placed in tow. A single harpoon of the old approved American ‘toggle-iron’ pattern had been hastily divested of its rust, sharpened and fitted with a new shaft. Lines were tested and spliced, and in the anticipation of a grand afternoon's sport... (reference)

1897 Richard Arthur Schute pleaded guilty at Fremantle yesterday to a charge of stealing tobacco, cigarettes, and cash to the value of £20 4s., the property of his late employers, J. and W. Bateman. Through intervention of his employers, however, he was given the benefit of the First Offenders Act. (reference)

1898 ANNUAL PICNIC. On Wednesday the steamer Gannet conveyed the employees of Messrs. J. and W. Bateman and those of the Union Stores Co., Ltd., Fremantle, on their first annual picnic. Over 350 persons were present. At Careening Bay, Garden Island, luncheon was partaken of. After a short stay the steamer proceeded to Rockingham, which was reached early in the afternoon. A cricket match between teams representing Messrs. J. and W. Bateman and the Union Stores Co., Ltd., was played near Point Peron, and resulted in a win for the Union Stores team by one run. An excellent band was a feature of the picnic. The run back to Fremantle was completed shortly after 8 p.m. (reference)

1899 ARE SAFETY MATCHES DANGEROUS? At the Fremantle Police Court yesterday… J. W. Bateman, of the firm of J. and W. Bateman, was charged by the Railway Department with having “on the 5th day of September, at Fremantle, sent by the railway from Fremantle to Subiaco certain goods which in the judgment of the Commissioner are of a dangerous nature-to wit, matches without distinctly marking their nature on the outside of the package containing the same or otherwise giving notice in writing to the bookkeeper or other servant of the Commissioner with whom the same were left at the time of so sending." (reference)

1902 UNLAWFULLY USING A HORSE. Frederick Charles Stewart pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness and as it was his fifth appearance a fine of 10s. was imposed. Stewart was then presented on a charge of having unlawfully used a horse, the property of John Bateman. Defendant: I plead guilty. I did not know what I was doing at the time. John Bateman said that he was put to a little expense over recovering the horse. Defendant: I understand Mr. Bateman was put to the expense of 6s. in sending after the horse. I am quite willing to pay him that amount, and I am very sorry for having put him to the trouble. Mr. Fairbairn: Do you wish to press the charge, Mr. Bateman? Bateman: No. The defendant was ordered to be discharged on payment of 6s. to Mr. Bateman. (reference)

1907 Mr. J. W. Bateman's illness It will be learned with regret that the condition of Mr. J. W. Batsman, the well known merchant of Fremantle, was still extremely critical at an early hour this afternoon. His medical attendants were unable to give ground for a very hopeful view of his chances of recovery. (reference)

1907 In the early hours of yesterday morning there passed away, at his residence, in North Fremantle, Mr. J. W. Bateman, eldest son of Mr. John Bateman, and principal of the well-known firm of J. and W. Bateman. By his death, which was primarily due to ptomaine poisoning (food poisoning) Fremantle has lost one of her most prominent citizens. Of him it is said that he was an indefatigable worker, a man of few words, but of unusual experience in all matters relating to shipping and commerce; a man of sound judgment, sincerity of purpose, and one for whom many residents have been in the habit of obtaining sound advice. He was unassuming in manner, and, although not having taken any of the higher public offices, had always manifested a keen interest in all movements having for their object the good of the State and the district in which he resided. He was a man respected and admired for a manly, honest-spoken opinion, which always commanded attention. His death is a loss to the community, which can ill afford to lose such an upright and loyal citizen. (reference)

1907 MR. J. W. BATEMAN'S ESTATE. NET VALUE £88,265. Particulars of the estate of the late Mr. J. W. Bateman, of Fremantle, who died on May 17 last, were lodged at the Supreme Court on Saturday. The gross value of the deceased gentleman's estate is set down at £155,651, and the net value after discharging all liabilities, on which probate duty will be paid, at £88,265 16s. 9d. The real estate, the gross value of which is £45,580, includes land or buildings at Fremantle. South Fremantle, North Fremantle, Beverley, Attadale, Bridgetown, Bunbury. Albany, Kalgoorlie, Collie, Coolgardie, Day Dawn, Derby, Maylands, Mount Morgan, Mulwarrie and Onslow. Included in the Fremantle property are brick and stone warehouses and offices facing Henry and Mouatt streets, which are valued at £24,000, and villa residences in Lord and Grey streets valued at £5,449 15s. (reference)

1908 [Special Edition on the Royal Agricultural Show, 1908] J. and W. Bateman This Fremantle firm of merchants were chiefly represented by the steel, star-backed geared windmills, one of which was erected on their stand, and was kept in operation throughout the five days of the show. Undoubtedly it is a very fine mill...

1909 OBITUARY. On Tuesday last, at the advanced age of 85, Mr. John Bateman, one of Western Australia's earliest colonists, passed out at Fremantle, at which place, as far back as 1863, he founded the well known mercantile firm of J. and W. Bateman, whose commercial operations extend throughout the length and breadth of the State. In 1872 Mr. Bateman bought out his brother's interest in the business, and in 1890 transferred it to his son, Mr. J. W. Bateman, who predeceased him by about two years. The extensive business is now being carried on by his grandsons. (reference) (Image)

1909 Concealment of Goods. At the Police Court yesterday, the first case under Section 523 of the Criminal Code, of fraudulently concealing goods under the Bankruptcy Act Amendment Act, was heard, when Inakiche Ikada, a Japanese storekeeper, was charged with that he, on the 29th day of April, 1909, after date of judgment obtained by Messrs. J. and W. Bateman, did conceal goods with intent thereby to defraud his creditors. (reference)

1910 J. AND W. BATEMAN’S JUBILEE. Messrs. J. and W. Bateman, one of the oldest mercantile firms in the State, celebrated its jubilee last week. It is just 50 years since the late John Bateman and his brother Walter founded the firm which has grown from modest proportions to a huge mercantile establishment with branches throughout the State. The business is now conducted by the sons of the founders, and a remarkable thing, which speaks well for the firm, is the large number of employees who have grown up with the firm and shared in its prosperity The jubilee was celebrated by a picnic at Point Walter on Thursday last. (reference)

1910 Samples of Coffee - Attention is directed to an advertisement inserted by Messrs. J & W Bateman, in regard to the report of the Fremantle Municipal analyst on the samples of coffee taken in the Port. It is made clear that the figures respecting the IXL brand of coffee for which Messrs. Bateman are agents, states that this particular brand of coffee contained 81.9 per cent of chicory and only 11.9 per cent of coffee. This was obviously a mistake for the analysis show that 11,9 per cent of chicory and the 89.1 per cent of coffee. (reference)

1911 The Royal Show- In a forest of windmills, Messrs. J. and W. Bateman, one of the oldest firms in the State, exhibit the mill for which they are the sole agents, namely, the Star mill, made by the Flint and Walling Manfg. Co., of Kendallville, Indiana… The manufacturer’s claim the Star does the work without monkey wrench help and profanity. (reference)

1911 Mrs. Eliza Beste, sister of the late Mr. John Bateman, founder of the firm of Messrs. J. and W. Bateman, Fremantle, passed away at her late residence, Hampton-road, Fremantle, on December 29. The deceased was the last survivor of that generation of the Bateman family. (reference)

1914 The Fremantle Police Court was crowded today when the detectives proceeded against four young men in connection with recent robberies at Fremantle. The first case listed was one of stealing six packages of sugar and other goods valued at £1 2/6, the property of J. and W. Bateman. The accused, Bernard Fannon and Richard Miller, were in the employ of the firm. (reference) Mr. Dowley said he had very carefully weighed the evidence, which he found was of a very conflicting nature. There were good grounds for suspicion, but he was satisfied that no jury would convict on the nature of the evidence submitted. He must therefore dismiss the charge. (reference)

1918 A LABOUR OF LOVE. Activity of Fremantle’s Ugly Men’s Association. Yesterday afternoon the Rev. H. E. Hyde formally presented the widow and four children of Private George Marshall with the fine residence erected for them by the Fremantle Ugly Men's Association in Ada-street, South Fremantle. Messrs. J. and W. Bateman, where Private Marshall was employed prior to his enlistment in 1917, and their employees provided the land and unskilled labour necessary, and the Ugly Men's Association were responsible for materials and the remainder of the labour… A glowing tribute to the fallen soldier was paid by Mr. J. Bateman, of Messrs. J. and W. Bateman... (reference)

1919 SORDID SLUMS A Disgrace to Civilisation RAVENOUS RAPACIOUS RACKRENTERS. Our investigations into the slum areas of Fremantle continue apace. This week we confined our attention to two streets, or rather one street, and one lane. To our great surprise, we found that some of the sordid slums are owned by most “respectable" business men of Fremantle; men who are looked up to by the community as paragons of what other men ought to be. Mr. John W. Bateman, the great reformer, of the firm of J. and W. Bateman is interested in a terrace of slums. Mr. F. Instone, a sanitary contractor, whose business it is to have a thorough knowledge of sanitation, another owner of slummy tenements. Mr. William Mason Houston, of Princess Road, Claremont - the home of the wealthy - is one whose bills are paid by the rackrents forced out of derelict prostitutes, and poor unfortunates who cannot do other than rent his fetid dens. The first dwellings investigated this week are situated in a lane off Norfolk Street. The lane is the last one down from the Oddfellows' Hotel, on the left hand side. Entrance is gained through a right-of-way. Here are situated two dens, which, together with the three places facing Norfolk Street, are shown in the rate book as being owned by Messrs. J. and W. Bateman and Hollis. Each place has two small rooms, not more than ten by ten feet. Facing the front of these dens is a wool and skin store, from where old stinking sheep's skins are brought and hung on the fence quite near the dwelling places. (reference)

1922 At the usual fortnightly meeting of the Fremantle Council on Monday evening last a letter from Messrs. J. and W. Bateman Ltd. was received drawing the Council's attention to the unsatisfactory lighting of Henry-st., and-stating that the arc lights are extinguished at 2 a.m., whilst portion of Fitzgerald-terrace and South Beach remain lighted throughout the night. (reference)

1922 Before the Fremantle Children's Court on Wednesday last, two lads, one under the age of 12 years were charged with having broken and entered and stolen from various firms. Seven charges were laid, the firms implicated being J. and W. Bateman, W. Moore, Union Stores, J. M. Drummond, Dalgety and Co., Lionel Samson and sons and M. Bateman. The articles stolen were goods to the value of 16/, biscuits, walnuts, cartridges, Pea rifle and hammer, tomahawk, and electric torch respectively. (reference)

1935 MR. W. A. BATEMAN DEAD Fremantle Identity The death occurred at Bull's Creek early today of Mr. William Augustus Bateman, who was a descendant of a Fremantle family of pioneers and a prominent athlete 50 years ago. The funeral will take place at Fremantle Cemetery on Monday morning. Mr. Bateman was the first to initiate a definite move in the establishment of league football in Western Australia. He was the first captain of the Fremantle team, and was the outstanding footballer of his day. Old-time athletes regard him as the finest footballer and cricketer Fremantle has ever produced. (reference)

1928 A proposal that Fremantle Harbor should be enlarged by the extension of the south mole was placed before members of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce at a meeting on Tuesday by Mr. J. W. Bateman of J. and W. Bateman Ltd. The two schemes at present before the Government are that the harbor he extended up the river, and that it be continued along the coast northward from Fremantle. It was claimed at the meeting that the scheme proposed by Mr. Bateman practically had the endorsement of Mr. C. Y. O'Connor and Mr. C. S. Palmer, both of whom were former engineers-in-chief of this State. (reference)

1934 Third prize was shared by four clerks employed by Messrs. J. and W. Bateman, Fremantle. The ticket was in the name of Mr. Peter Bateman, a son of Mr. L. L. Bateman, past-president of the Perth Chamber of Commerce, and the other three associated with him in the lucky ticket were Messrs. M C Stone, A. V. Flindell, and B. Hislop. (reference)

1935 An enjoyable social evening was spent at the Claremont Road Board Hall last Friday, when the staff of Messrs. J. and W. Bateman Ltd. attended a farewell function in honor of the retiring secretary, Mr. J. E. Witty, who is severing his connection with the firm after 39 years' continuous service. On behalf of the gathering Mr. J. W. Bateman (managing director) presented Mr. Witty with a travelling case and rug. (reference)

1937 How a man stole from his employers after nearly 40 years' trustworthy service was related in the Fremantle Police Court yesterday when two men were called to answer charges relating to the theft over the last five months of a quantity of hardware from the warehouse of J. and W. Bateman, Ltd., Fremantle. Percy David Jose (53), shop assistant, was charged with the theft of articles valued at £17/16/6, and Reginald Cranston Mews (44), seaman, was charged with having received portion of the stolen property valued at £7/4/. (reference)

1937 A particularly effective display in the Manufacturers' Hall is that of J. and W. Bateman, Ltd. The central attraction is a 6ft. packet of Boronia custard powder, with two large packets of Boronia jellies and Setter jellies on each side of the display. (reference)

1939 Owing to ill-health, Mr. J. W. Bateman has retired from the position of managing director of J. and W. Bateman, Ltd., and Messrs. C. T. Banfield. C. G. Bateman and R. W. Richardson have been appointed joint general managers. (reference)

1941 The J. and W. Bateman Enlisted Employes' Comforts Fund will conduct a dance at the Nedlands Road Board Hail, Loch-street, on Thursday next. (reference)