Walter Bateman

Walter Bateman (22 June 1826 – 24 September 1882) was a Fremantle merchant who was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Council from 1867 to 1870.

The son of merchant John Bateman, Walter Bateman was born in London on 22 June 1826. In 1830 the Bateman family emigrated to Western Australia on board the Medina, settling in Fremantle, Western Australia where John Bateman established himself as merchant, whaler and postmaster. Following his father's death in April 1855, Walter Bateman took over as postmaster, holding the position until November 1861. He served on the Fremantle Town Trush in 1860, 1862 and from 1864 to 1865.

In 1867, informal elections were held to allow the popular selection of representatives whom the governor would then formally nominate to the Western Australian Legislative Council. Bateman was elected for the Fremantle district, and sat in the Council until the advent of representative government in 1870.

Bateman sold out of his family business in 1872, and died in Fremantle on 24 September 1882. He was unmarried.

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