THOMAS M. PATTERSON represents a pioneer family of Washington county, Penn. His grandfather, James Patterson, was born in County Down, Ireland, and received his early education in his native land. At the age of fourteen years he came with his parents to Washington county, Penn., and they settled in Canton township, on the farm now owned by John McClay, erecting their cabin home in the wild woods of the new country. At the age of twenty-six years James Patterson was married to Mary Miller, a native of Chartiers township, and after marriage the young couple settled on the farm in Hopewell township, now owned by Lemon Patterson (a grandson). Politically, James Patterson was first a Federalist, then a Whig, and next an active worker with the Abolitionists. He was among the earliest members of the Seceder Church at North Buffalo, his parents being also members of that denomination; he was a member of and elder in same for fifty years, holding that office at the time of the coalition of the Seceder and Union Churches, and was always very active in church work. He was also successful in business matters, having made his own way in the world. He died in 1868, in his ninety-second year, and was buried by the side of his wife in North Buffalo cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Alexander, Thomas, Margaret ( Mrs. Samuel Leper ), Elizabeth ( wife of James Richmond ), Jane (married to James Armstrong), James, David, Mary (Mrs. Taggart), John and Martha. John Patterson, son of James and Mary (Miller) Patterson, was born on the home farm in Hopewell township, this county, receiving his education in a school which was held in the upper story of a log spring house. He was married to Jane, daughter of Thomas McClellan, and they continued to reside on the old place until his death. John Patterson was originally an active Whig and Abolitionist, afterward becoming an ardent Republican; he was much interested in school matters, and served as school director for years. He was formerly a member of the Seceder Church, but later in life united with the U.P. Church at North Buffalo, contributing liberally to the support of each. Mrs. Patterson is yet living, and makes her home with her son, Lemon. The remains of Mr. Patterson were interred in the cemetery at North Buffalo. Thomas M. Patterson, son of John and Jane (McClellan) Patterson, was born April 1, 1853, in Hopewell township, this county, where his early life was passed in attending the public schools, and in working on the farm. When but fourteen years of age he began business for himself, but remained at home some time after reaching maturity. On January 3, 1878, he was united in marriage with Lizzie, daughter of William Proudfit, of Smith township, this county. For three years after their marriage they remained on a farm in Hopewell township, then moved to another one in the same township, upon which they also lived three years, afterward settling in Burgettstown, Penn., where they have since resided. The children of Thomas M. and Lizzie (Proudfit) Patterson are John, Willie, Kate, Jennie and Thomas M. In 1891 Mr. Patterson was nominated by the Republican party for State representative, and was not only elected, but ran ahead of his ticket; he is now filling that position. He is a member of the U.P. Church of Burgettstown, in which he takes an active interest.

Text taken from page 1129 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Jack McNatt of Valrico, FL as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]