New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-21
HAS HE BEEN DELUDEDi
STRANGE COURSE OF JOSEPH BATTIN.
A RICH OLD NAN SAID TO HAVE GIVEN $4,000
TO A "CHMsTIAN ALLIANCE"

RICH OLD MAN SAID TO HAVE GIVEN s'VVoO
TO "CHmsTIAN ALLIANCE
The trends of Joseph Battin the venerable ciu-
zen Of Elizabeth. n. j., who has so far passed nnuer
the influence Of the Rev. Albert simpson, president
Of the Christian Alliance and pastor Of the Gospel
Tabernacle, to enter the Berachah Home are not
altogether surprised at his action. Neither Is much
surprise manifested at the announcement OF his alleged
gift Of $4,000 to the Alliance leader some DOUBT Is
expressed, however to the fact thar the git mas
actually been bestowed. few look upon the state
ment a clever piece of advertising on the part OF
Mr. Simpson put forth, perhaps, in the hope OF
clinching that which he has not yet but soon hopes
TO have within his grasp.
The relatives of Mr.. Battn who were visited yes
terday were indspOsed TO discuss the subject on the
ground that being purely private affair." and nothing
being positively known, 1t would he unseemy, a. well
disrespectful TO Mr. Battn 10 offer any criticism
Mr. Battin himself refused to confirm or
deny the story, alleging that it was nobody's
business what he did with his money. man
who is somewhat familiar with Mr.. Battin's history
said to a Tribune reporter yesterday
MI Batn is an old man, eighty four years Of age.
should think he might be regarded millionaire In
the matter of property. lie born in Pennsy[
vana, the OF poor farmer, and think. Of Qua
ker parentage A civil engineer by profession, he
became largely interested contractor in tho con-
structon of gas and water works, and accumulated
considerable money, which, being proftaby invested
has resulted In swelling his fortune 10 large figure
Several years ago. Mr.. Dmock Of Wall Street. built
handsome home In Elizabeth, at cost II is said, OF
about $4,000. This Mr.. Battin bought at forced
sale at much lower ngure-it seems to Inc that II
was $4,000.
He presented this to the city Of Elizabeth for use
as high school. About yeag ago he contracted TO
buy piece OF property in Elizabeth at a cost OF
$4,000 as present TO the Christian Alliance people,
The newspapers took the matter up and there was so
much opposition to 1t by the citizens generally, that
the scheme at that time foil through lie paid $1,000
down. lie may have forfeited this payment or 1t Is
possible he decided the property over TO the Alliance
people, they assuming mortgage that existed upon It,
on that point | not Informed. know the people
did not the building there, and he changed his
mind the subject for the time being
"As to tins later gift OF $4,000, don't
think that anybody speak with much GER
tainty, though II the gift really made, 1t was
probably in bonds, the equivalent OF cash. 1t is a
| well-known fact in Elizabeth that this man simpson
has been following Mr. Bsttln closely during the last
three years, coddlng him in every possible way, and.
as was well understood endeavoriDg to wheedle money
ont of tho old man. Though Mr.. Battin has been a
Baptist it has only been within the last few years
that he has shown any religious zeal.
." think that he lived at one time in Clinton-ave.,
Brooklyn At any rate his wife died there about four
years ago. Then he went to Elizabeth and lived
with daughter Mrs. Barrow. BY andby he took
J q notion to move into another house which he
| furnished, and on his invitation minister and his
| family came TO live with him. Next he closed that
establishment and moved to his daughters home where
lie has always received the most careful attention
| and the best treatment Now he has gone under the
wing of simpson, who has worked him for all he was
WORTH Mr. Battin is a feeble physically, and
has lately been very changeabe in his mind though he
has very positive at times. | can only say
| that / hardly think Mr. simpson would have shown
SO much interest in Mr. Battins welfare II the old
man had been without money.
MIR. Battin has six children. The Oldest sylvester
S. Battin, is in Europe; James NJ. lives in Newark !;
Henry, Scranton. Penn. Lambert and Mrs Barrows,
q widow who lives at Elizabeth. and Mary c., the
wife of John W. French. OF Brooklyn,
The Christian Alliance claims to be a non-sectarian
organization. The Berochah Home is open 10 all
who can pay something more or less, for their
board-and these may remain two weeks, or longer
II the place is not crowded. The doctrine preached
is that rule of faith is to be found only in the
Bible, and that the Holy Spirit can give assurance
10 the patient whether not human skill can restore
the individual to health but they claim not 10 accept
ns indispensable the laying Of hands. The Alliance
have here tabernacle with seating capacity OF ooo
gnnday services and weekly prayermeeungs are
held. They have a college also, the only text DOCK
being the Bible. Men and women are admitted as
students who are taught without charge but pay
something weekly for board The choral Is supported
people claim to be entirely distinct In their doctrines
md nroctices from the Christian Scientists,