A native of Maryland, where he was born on October 21, 1821, of Scottish parentage. Thinking that the west offered better opportunities he left his native state and settled in Iowa when but 19 years of age, and has been a resident of this state ever since. Mr.. Patterson married Miss Martha Darbeyshire on April 7, 1842. He was interested in the material advancement of Des Moines county since 1839. He was vice president and director of the Merchants National bank from its inception. He was president of the Burlington Water works for years, director in the German-American Savings bank, and owner of the of the original South Hill street car line. Mr. Patterson served in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth General Assemblies, 1878-80, as a senator from this county.

A native of Maryland, where he was born on October 21, 1821, of Scottish parentage. Thinking that the west offered better opportunities he left his native state and settled in Iowa when but 19 years of age, and has been a resident of this state ever since. Mr.. Patterson married Miss Martha Darbeyshire on April 7, 1842. He was interested in the material advancement of Des Moines county since 1839. He was vice president and director of the Merchants National bank from its inception. He was president of the Burlington Water works for years, director in the German-American Savings bank, and owner of the of the original South Hill street car line. Mr. Patterson served in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth General Assemblies, 1878-80, as a senator from this county.