SAMUEL PATTERSON, one of the most successful agriculturists of West Bethlehem township, is a grandson of Thomas Patterson, who was born in Ireland, and came to this country with his family in about the year 1800. He went to New Orleans, where he was seized with the yellow fever, and coming back to Washington county, Penn., died. John Patterson, son of the pioneer, Thomas, settled upon the farm of one Noble, in Washington county, Penn., and soon afterward he purchased the farm which is now the home of his son Samuel. He married Jane, daughter of John Simpson, who resided in Greene county, Penn., and was also of Irish parentage, her father emigrating early in the history of Greene county, Penn. To them were born the following children: Catharine, wife of James Wherry, residing in Hillsboro; Rebecca, wife of John Bumgarner; Elizabeth, wife of Levi Hopkins; Jane, wife of G.P. Baker; Sarah, wife of Levi Dawson; Andrew (deceased); John (deceased); Samuel, the subject of this biography; Mary Siberts, and Thomas, a minister of the Gospel at Waynesburg. At the time of his death, which occurred April 10, 1849, John Patterson owned 250 acres of land in Washington county, Penn., portions of which he purchased at $3. per acre. He erected the log dwelling in which his son Samuel now lives, and which is one of the oldest in Washington county. The nails used in its construction were purchased from a blacksmith at 121/2 cents per pound. He attended the subscription schools in the county, and at one time his master was the grandfather of the late J.G. Blaine, by name Gillespie. Samuel Patterson was born December 15, 1824, on the old homestead farm where he has continued to reside. He is now a hale and hearty old gentleman, well deserving the golden opinion he wins from all who delight in his acquaintance. His farm consists of nearly four hundred acres of excellent land. Politically Mr. Patterson is a through Democrat, and has always given the candidates of his party a cordial support, but could never be persuaded to himself accept the nomination for any office.

Text taken from page 619 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/.

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