WILLIAM A. PATTERSON, one of the leading merchants of Monongahela, is a son of Joseph, whose father was James Patterson. The latter was born in 1790, in eastern Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood, and was married to Mary Watt, who bore him twelve children. For his second wife he selected Miss Mary Swonger, and two children were born to their marriage. He came to Allegheny county at a very early date, and was prominently identified with its early development. He voted with the Whig party, and in religious faith was a member of the United Presbyterian Church. The pioneer farm is yet owned by members of his family. Joseph Patterson, son of James and Mary (Watt) Patterson, was born May 28, 1828, near Buena Vista, Allegheny Co., Penn., and was there reared to manhood. He assisted in the farm duties during early life, and when a young man married Rebecca, daughter of Col. James Scott, who, in his day, was a leading citizen of Allegheny county, and a prosperous stockman. Mr. Scott possessed a gifted mind, and was a brilliant military officer, having served as colonel of the militia in the war of 1812. He was married in Allegheny county to Mary Van Kirk, who bore him the following children: Diana, wife of James Wykoff; Susan; John V.; Harvey; Samuel; Mary, wife of Samuel Van Kirk; Joseph; Rebecca (Mrs. Patterson); William; Sarah; James, and Isaac. Mr. Scott was a leading politician, and served in the State Legislature. In religious faith he was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian Church. Joseph and Rebecca (Scott) Patterson resided on the home place for several years after their marriage. They then moved to Elizabeth, remaining there thirteen years, after which he purchased a farm in Nottingham township, this county. He sold out a few years later, and coming to Monongahela successfully conducted a grocery store for some time. He was a very prosperous businessman, taking an active interest in politics, and was equally prominent in religious circles, having served as an elder in the Presbyterian Churches at Round Hill, Mingo, and Monongahela. He died in 1889, having reared the following children: James S. (deceased), William A. (whose name opens this sketch), Mary (wife of A. J. Yohe), Vivia (married to James Stewart), and Vernie P. (wife of Frank Bebout). William A. Patterson was born August 22, 1853, near Suiter Station, Allegheny Co., Penn., and at the age of seventeen years came to Washington county. He attended the public schools, and the Southwestern State Normal school at California, Penn., afterward graduating from Duff's Business College, Pittsburg, Penn. Upon leaving college he entered the employ of the P.V.&C. R.R. as ticket agent at Houston's Run, remaining there but one year. He then embarked in mercantile enterprises and formed a partnership with his father in the grocery store, finally taking a trip to southwestern Arkansas, where he purchased a sheep ranch. One year later he returned to Monongahela, Penn., and opened a furniture store at the stand formerly occupied by Swickard's shoe business. Soon afterward he remodeled and took possession of his present place of business which is one of the finest stores in Monongahela. He carries a full line of furniture and undertaking goods, and enjoys a large amount of customers. In political opinion he is a wide-awake Democrat, having served his party as a member of the council, and in religion is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He married, April 14, 1880, Belle, daughter of Ira Bebout, of Monongahela. Their children are Ada, Mary, Allie, William A. and Bertha.

Text taken from page 263 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]