O. W. Battey, Tiskilwa, was born June 15, 1823, in Foster, Providence, R. I. He is a son of Sampson Battey (see the preceding sketch)(of Silas Battey).
Our subject received a common school education in Connecticut, where his entire life was spent on the farm. He came to Illinois with his parents, and lived several years in Peoria and LaSalle Counties. In 1854 he came to Tiskilwa, where he was appointed station agent on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, which position he has filled ever since, and is know as the oldest and most trusted agent on the route. For the last twenty years he has also been engaged in the grain and lumber business.
He was married March 18, 1851, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Pauline A. Walker, who was born February 1, 1825, in Vermont. Her parents were Asa and Elizabeth (Mathewson) Walker. She is the mother of three children; Galen S., Losada L. and Owen W.
Mrs. Battey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Battey has filled town and school offices. He has taken a lively interest in political affairs, and has supported the Republican party. He was formerly a warm supporter of the famous underground railroad, which had done so much to break the shackles of slavery in the land of the free.
Source: History of Bureau County, Illinois, H. C. Bradsby, Editor. World Publishing Company Chicago 1885