Husband of Elizabeth (Loffel) Batschelet
Husband of Anna Magdalena (Engel) Batschelet

Peter Batschelet Sr. emigrated in 1834 from the canton of Bern, Switzerland, with his wife and 9 children. Peter's older brother, Jacob Batschelet, emigrated with them. The family settled in Jefferson County, Indiana and farmed. Peter became a naturalized citizen in 1839.

After his wife died, Peter married Magdalena (Engel) Hauck Kurtz in 1840. Peter and Magdalena had one child together, John Frederick Batschelet. Peter's brother Jacob died 6 Aug 1841 in Madison. Peter's first wife was Elizabeth Loffel, according to his son Peter Jr.'s biography.

The following information is from the ship roster:
New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
Ship name: Renown
Arrival date: 12 July 1834
Port of Departure: Le Havre, France
Port of Arrival: New York, New York, USA
Name: Pierre (Peter) Batschelet; age 40
Household: Marie (30), A. Marie (18), Peter (16), Margarete (14), Jacques (11), Eliza (7), Abraham (6), Marie (4), Catherine (2), Frederick (1/2), Jacques (53).

Peter Batschelet Sr. is mentioned in a biography of his son Peter Jr., the son of Peter's first wife Elizabeth (Loffel) Batschelet. The biography states in part, "The senior Peter Batschelet was a farmer by occupation, and in 1834, accompanied by his wife and eight children, he embarked at Havre, France, in a three mast-vessel for America, and after a voyage of forty-seven days landed in this country. Upon his arrival here he directed his course to Cincinnati, Ohio and from there to Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana, where he purchased a heavily timbered farm and established his home upon it. On that farm he spent the rest of his life, and died at the age of seventy years. He was a man of strong individuality, possessing many of the characteristics of a true pioneer, and in his religious belief was a stanch Presbyterian." (from "A Memorial and biographical record of Iowa" published by Lewis Pub. Co. 1896).
(*Note- there were a total of 9 children on the ship roster- Peter Jr. and his 8 siblings.)

Beneficiaries listed in the 1869 Will of Peter Batschelet:
1. Son Frederick Batschelet- all property both real and personal
2. Son Jacob Batschelet- $200
3. Son Abraham Batschelet- $200
4. Daughter Mary Bonnett- $200
5. Daughter Catharine Houk- $200
6. Son Peter Batschelet- $200
7. Daughter Margaret Nicklaus- $200
8. Daughter Elizabeth Apple- $200
9. The three children of daughter Anna Mary Rist- $20 each
10. My wife Magdalen shall make her home with our son Frederick during her natural life time.