John R. Patterson was born in Harrison County, O., March 30, 1836, son of John and Jane (Graham) Patterson. He attended school both in Ohio and Clayton County, Ia., to which place his parents moved when he was fourteen years old. He worked on his father's farm till he was twenty-two. He then bought eighty acres on sections 28 and 29, where he lived until 1867. He went in 1860 to Pike's Peak, returning the same year. He then bought a farm in the southern part of the State, and removed thither, remaining one summer. Removed again to Fayette County, where he remained nearly a year, and then visited his old home in Ohio. In the fall of 1866 he came West again, and purchased the farm on which he now resides, in Wagner Township, section 32. His farm here comprises 200 acres, and he owns other land, making altogether 320 acres. His farm is well improved, and is one of the most valuable in the township. He was first married June 15, 1862, to Catharine Christ, of Ohio. By this union were four children, one living - Clarence Edgar. William B., Martha Ann, and Oscar C. died in infancy. Mrs. Patterson died Feb. 14, 1863. June 15, 1865, he again married, Catharine Josephine Barnhouse, born in Ohio. They have had six children, four living - David E., Lulu M., Ira D.S. and Myrtle J. Cora M., and John M. died in infancy. He has been Township Trustee, Constable, School
Director, etc. In politics he is a Republican. P.O.
Elkader. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1139 |