Charles Bateman

**Charles Jack Bateman** (November 28th, 1892 – July 7th, 1978), was an American businessman and soldier. Bateman was born in Toledo, Ohio, United States to John Bateman and Audrey Bateman, founders of the famous shipping line, Cristorian Lines.

### Occupation

Businessman
Soldier

### Title

Former CEO of Cristorian Lines
Captain

## Childhood

Bateman grew up in a decently wealthy family, as his parents were founders of Cristorian Lines. As a result, Bateman earned the ability to attend a private school throughout his elementary and high school career. During his high school career, he would meet his lifelong partner, Mary. Around this same time during his senior year in high school, he would get a job at the local cinema theater. However, at the age of 17, Bateman got in trouble with the Toledo Police Department due to vandalizing a local Socialist Party's headquarters and had to serve a week in juvenile detention as a result.

## Adulthood

Bateman graduated high school in 1910 at the age of 18, furthering hid education to a college level at the University of Toledo. During his time in college, he studied finance alongside his core college classes. In 1914, Bateman graduated from college, with a degree in finance. Following this, he would continue working at his job at the cinema theater until three years later in 1917, where due to a bill passed in the Congress of the United States, Bateman would be drafted into World War I. During his time in World War I, he fought in numerous battles such the Meuse–Argonne offensive. Bateman fought in nations such as France, Germany, and Austria. Following the war, Bateman safely returned home to the United States and when home, he continued his military service up until 1926, where he'd formally resign at the rank of Captain.

## Later Life

Following World War I, Bateman got a job with the Interlake Steamship Company in 1932, working on one of their ships. The ship he worked on, the SS *Verona*, was at the time, a 480-foot-long lake freighter, bought by the Interlake Steamship Company in 1913. Bateman would eventually work on the ship until December 1941, where his dad, John Bateman, became very ill and had to be hospitalized. Bateman would eventually quit his job with the Interlake Steamship Company, to accompany his father. In January 1942, Bateman's mother, Audrey Bateman, also became ill. With both of his parents hospitalized and in critical condition, they, seemingly knowing their time was almost up, appointed Charles as CEO of Cristorian Lines upon their passings. On February 7th, 1942, John Bateman had officially passed away, leaving Audrey Bateman the only one of Charles' parents left. However, two years later on August 2nd, 1944, Audrey would also pass away. Following this, Charles was soon appointed CEO of Cristorian Lines and he, and his girlfriend, Mary, had a new home in the *Christophorus Turris* (Latin for Christopher Tower) in metropolitan Toledo. In 1952, Mary and Charles had gotten married, in the same place Charles' parents had gotten married in, New York City, with a total of 112 attendees. In 1954, Mary Bateman and Charles Bateman gave birth to their son, Edward Bateman.

## Participation in "Atoms for Peace"

Charles Bateman was a strong supporter of the Atoms for Peace program, which sought to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, particularly in developing countries. As part of his support for Atoms for Peace, Bateman offered the services of Christopher Lines to transport and deliver nuclear materials, equipment, and experts to developing countries. He also pushed for collaboration between Christopher Lines and the U.S. Department of Energy, as he believed that nuclear technology could be used to improve healthcare, agriculture, energy production, and industrial processes. In 1963, the U.S. Department of Energy eventually agreed to collaborate with Christopher Lines, and Bateman was a key figure in making this possible. Under his leadership, the company shipped nuclear equipment and materials, as well as experts, to developing countries with the goal of promoting peace and security. This work was highly successful and helped Christopher Lines establish itself as a leader in the field of international shipping. The company's contributions to the Atoms for Peace program were widely recognized and appreciated, and Bateman was seen as a pioneer in the industry and a champion of international cooperation.

## Support for Toledo Rioters

In March 1965, following U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, a series of initially peaceful protests joint hosted by Cristorian separationists and Anarchists grew to riots. Bateman, having served in World War I and knowing the consequences of war, supported the Cristorians and Anarchists. Charles had offered to use his fleet as CEO to transport equipment, supplies, and personnel to the riots on behalf of the Cristorians and Anarchists. U.S. officials (even President Lyndon B. Johnson) saw the riots as a threat to national security and stability and criticized Bateman for his blatant support of the protests, calling him a traitor to the U.S.-Christopher Lines contract in 1898.

## Death

On July 7th, 1965, Bateman died peacefully at his home from reported natural causes at the age of 73. His wife, Mary Bateman, succeeded him as CEO of Christopher Lines and with their son, Edward Bateman, fled to Louisville, Kentucky to escape the Toledo Riots, however, she still carried on Charles' legacy and continued Christopher Lines' support for the rioters in Toledo. Charles' death is theorized to be planned by the CIA due to his support for the Toledo Riots, but historians have proven that to be false. Charles Bateman was buried near his father, John Bateman, in the Toledo cemetery.

Bateman in 1915 while attending the University of ToledoBateman in 1917Bateman in 1921, three years after World War IBateman in 1937Bateman in 1943