John Batman (21 January 1801 – 6 May 1839) was an Australian grazier, businessman and explorer who is best known for his role in the founding of a settlement which became Melbourne and the colony of Victoria.

Pioneer John Batman helped establish what is now currently known as Melbourne, Australia.  When he found the current site of central Melbourne, he noted in his diary of 8 June 1835, “This will be the place for a village.” and declared the land “Batmania”.  He then worked with the local Aborigines to come up with a treaty to rent the land on an annual basis- known as Batman’s Treaty.  The cost per year to rent the land was: 40 blankets, 30 axes, 100 knives, 50 scissors, 30 mirrors, 200 handkerchiefs, 100 pounds of flour and 6 shirts.

(Source: Wikipedia)