HUGH PATTERSON, one of the oldest, most respected and prosperous citizens of Jefferson township, was born November 7, 1807, near Eldersville, Washington Co., Penn., in an old log cabin which is yet standing. James Patterson, his father, was born, reared and educated in Ireland, and coming to America soon after the Revolution, remained with his brother John and three sisters, for some months near Philadelphia. The two brothers were, for a time, employed in "flailing" wheat, getting one-tenth as his share, making the sum of 331/3 cents per day. Afterward they moved to Allegheny county, where they rented a farm, remained a short time, and then came to Washington county and purchased a farm in Jefferson township. Hugh was married to Sarah Given, prior to locating in Washington county. To them the following children were born: John, Mary (wife of William Moore), James, Sarah (married to Robert Pogue), Elizabeth (deceased wife of Erasmus Cooper, and mother of H.C. Cooper), Hugh and William, all now deceased except Hugh. The father died at the age of ninety-three years, a few months after his wife's decease. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and then an anti-slavery Whig. In church matters he was a stanch Methodist, and, for many years, was a class-leader. A liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises, he died esteemed by all. He held the office of school director for six years and treasurer of Jefferson township school board for a decade. Hugh Patterson grew to manhood on the old farm which had been bought of William Wells, of Wellsville, Ohio, and passed his youth thereon, caring for his aged parents. He began mercantile business in Eldersville, Penn., in company with William Wilson for some fifteen years, and retired about thirty years ago. Mr. Patterson is about five feet, eleven inches in stature, healthy and well formed, possessing a remarkably clear mind, and writing a steady hand for one of his years. In politics his first vote was cast for Joseph Ritner, as governor of Pennsylvania, for whom he again voted three years later, aiding in gaining the election, also voting for him a fourth time. His first Presidential vote was cast for Jackson. Mr. Patterson was an anti-slavery man, and of recent years has been an advocate of the principles embodied in the Republican party. In 1842 he was postmaster of Eldersville, also served one term after Taylor's election, finally resigning the office. He has been tendered other positions, among which were those of justice of the peace and county commissioner, but declined to serve in either capacity. Mr. Patterson is now reaping the reward of early toil, and is held in high regard by all who have known him.

Text taken from page 326 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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