San Bernardino County history – Welcome to San Bernardino County

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

Sherman Batchelor, a native of Indiana, came to San Bernardino with his parents when he was four years old. His career highlights include serving as San Bernardino’s postmaster for 12 years and as state inheritance tax appraiser for six years. Eventually, he followed in the footsteps of his brother, John Batchelor, who served as the county’s treasurer from 1924 to 1942.

Following his brother’s untimely death, long-time employee Amy Koehler served one year of his term from 1942 to 1943. In 1943, Batchelor was appointed as the county’s tax collector by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. In 1946, he was elected to the office for a four-year term.

At the age of 67, Batchelor passed away at St. Bernardine’s hospital in San Bernardino after a long-term illness.

He was a member of the Masons, the Elks Lodge and the Eagles Lodge. The Elks Lodge performed his last rites, remembering him as responsive, efficient and a true patriot. He was a veteran of the Spanish-American war and a past national, state and county commander of the United Veterans of the Republic. A small flag was given to his family in recognition of his service as a soldier in the Spanish war.

He was survived by his two children, Brenda Minor of Big Bear and Neal Batchelor, a member of The Telegram editorial staff in San Bernardino, and a sister, Mrs. Robert F. Munk of Fontana.

Additional County Update News – August 8, 2024