Nathaniel BATCHELDER

                   Nathaniel came to America when quite young, possibly with his grandfather, Rev. Stephen Bachiler, or shortly thereafter. We know he was in Hampton, NH in 1647 when the Rev. Stephen conveyed all his estate in Hampton, NH to his grandson, John Sanborn, who was to give bond to pay the Rev. Stephen's other three grandchildren, Nathaniel Batchelder, Stephen and Wiliam Sanborn, 20 pounds each.
Nathaniel generally spelled his name Batchelder, the name now used by this family in America. He lived in Hampton, NH, serving for nine years as a selectman and for some time as a constable, as well as in other positions of trust in the town and the church.
"The following anecdote is told of him: When, after the death of his first wife, he had determined to marry again, he resolved to be governed in his choice by the direction in which his staff, held perpendicularly over the floor, should fall, when dropped from his hand. The experiment being tried, the staff fell towards the southwest, and in that direction he bent his steps. Having traveled as far as Woburn, he called on the Widow Wyman and offered her his hand, stating that he was going to Boston and would call for her answer on his return. It was favorable, for they were at once married." Pierce, Batchelder Genealogy, p. 115.
Nathaniel and his first wife Deborah (Smith) Batchelder had nine children, all born in Hampton, NH:
Deborah, b. 12 Oct. 1651; m. Joseph Palmer.
Nathaniel, b. 24 Dec. 1659; m. Elizabeth Foss.
Ruth, b. 9 May 1662.
Esther, b. 22 Dec. 1664; m. Samuel Shaw.
Abigail, b. 28 Dec. 1667; m. John Dearborn.
Jane, b. 8 Jan. 1670; m. Benjamin Lampree.
Stephen, b. 31 July 1671; d. as an infant.
Benjamin, b. 19 Sept. 1673; m. Susanna Page.
Stephen, b. 8 March 1676; m. Mary Dearborn.
Nathaniel and his second wife Mary (Carter) Wyman Batchelder had eight children, all born in Hampton, NH:
Mercy, b. 11 Dec. 1677; m. Samuel Dearborn.
Mary, b. 18 Sept. 1679; died young.
Samuel, b. 10 Dec. 1680; m. Elizabeth Davis of Newbury, MA.
Jonathan, b. 1683; m. Sarah Blake.
Theodate, b. 1684; m. Morris Hobbs.
Thomas, b. 1685; m. (1) Mary Moulton; m. (2) Sarah Tuck.
Joseph, b. 9 Aug. 1687; m. Mehitable Marston.
Mary, b. 17 Oct. 1688; died young.