Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason is pleased to present another fascinating story of the many great county residents that have served in his position since 1853.

John Batchelor resided in San Bernardino for 58 years. Born in Vernon, Indiana, he relocated to California with his parents in 1884.

He was elected as the county treasurer from 1924 to 1942. For many years, Batchelor’s office was recognized by grand juries as one of the most efficient in the state. He modernized the office by eliminating the cumbersome ledger system, reduced departmental expenses by making carbon copies from office records for published tax rolls, and opened branch offices in the valley where residents could pay their taxes without traveling to San Bernardino. He was known for personally spending time with taxpayers so that he could address their concerns.

He served as tax collector for over 18 years and passed away of heart complications at the age of 69 at St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino. Although he had one of the toughest jobs in the county, he was remembered for being courteous and friendly to the people he served.


Additional County Update News – June 27, 2024