JAMES T. PATTERSON, a leading citizen of Burgettstown, was born April 9, 1851, a son of John Patterson. His grandfather, James Patterson, was born in County Down, Ireland, receiving his early education in his native land. At the age of fourteen years he came with his parents to Washington county, Penn., and settled in Canton township, on the farm now owned by John McClay, erecting their cabin home in the wild new country. At the age of twenty-six years, James Patterson was married to Mary Miller, a native of Chartiers township, and after their 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 the church for fifty years, holding that office at the time of the coalition of the Seceder and Union Churches. He was 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 training in a school which was held in the upper story of a log spring house. He was married in February, 1850, to Jane, daughter of Thomas McClellan, and they continued to reside on the old place until his death. John Patterson was a Whig and an Abolitionist, afterward becoming a Republican, being an active politician, and much interested in school matters, having served as director for years. He was formerly a member of the Seceder Church, and afterward united with the U. P. Church at North Buffalo, contributing liberally to the support of that denomination. Mrs. Patterson is yet living, making her home with her son Lemon. The remains of Mr. Patterson were interred in the cemetery at North Buffalo.
James T. Patterson received a common-school education in Hopewell township, and afterward attended Pleasant Hill Academy. He then studied medicine, but other matters taking his attention his medical course was never completed. On September 28, 1876, he was united in marriage with Jennie E. Witherspoon, daughter of John Witherspoon of Smith township, and the following children have blessed their union: Lenora, Lizzie Myrtle, Jennie Estelle, James Witherspoon and Emma Margaret (twins, deceased at the age of five months). After his marriage James T. Patterson settled on a farm in Hopewell township, remaining there six years. He opened an insurance office in Burgettstown, where he conducts fire and life insurance, and also deals in real estate. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has been a ruling elder for thirteen years. In politics he is a leading member of the Republican party, having filled several township and borough offices, and is actively interested in all political questions. He was appointed notary public by Gov. Beaver, holding that office four years, and reappointed by Gov. Robert E. Pattison in 1893.
Text taken from page 773 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]