The Sabbath Observance Department of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was organized at the St. Louis (National) Convention in 1884, and Bateham, then of Painesville, Ohio, was appointed its first Superintendent, continuing in charge of the Department until compelled by failing health to resign in 1896.

Alter eleven months of laborious service Mr. Cushman died, and unable to carry on the new mission single-handed.

Josephine reluctantly resigned the work and returned home, a widow at nineteen years of age.

On September 27, 1850, she married Michael Boyd Bateham (1813–1880), head of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture.

They resided in Columbus fourteen years, spending part of their summers in travel in Europe and the United States.

[7] Bateman wrote articles on dress, education, exercise, gardening, health, housekeeping, peace, and woman's rights.

[4] There, for sixteen years, Mrs. Bateham devoted herself to her growing family, to writing, as well as to missionary and temperance work, her husband always encouraging her literary and reform efforts.

[3] On behalf of the "Sunday-law combination" in the U.S., Bateham asked the U.S. Congress to incorporate the dogma of Sunday idleness into a Federal statute.

[4] The Batehams had seven children: Anson, Minerva (Minnie), Josephine, Lizzie, Sarah, Henry, and Charles.