Robert C. Patterson is numbered among the intelligent
and honorable men who compose the farming community of Hillsdale County,
and is quietly pursuing his pleasant occupation on his farm on section 14, Allen Township.


He is a son of Joseph and Katrina (Jagger) Patterson, who were natives respectively of Ireland and New York State. His father come to this country from his native land when twenty-one years of age.

After marriage Joseph and his wife began their wedded life in Orange County, N.Y.; whence they removed some years later to Wayne County, in the same State.

In 1848 they came to Michigan, and locating in the pretty township of Woodstock, remained valued and respected members of that place until death. They were worthy, industrious and true-hearted people. Eight children were born of their marriage, of whom our subject was the fifth in order of birth.

Mr. Patterson was born in Orange County, N.Y., February 7, 1832, and the years of his boyhood were spent in his native State, where he acquired a sound education. He was sixteen years old when he came with his parents to Lenawee County, and he continued to make his home in Woodstock, where they settled, for many years. After he came to Michigan he learned the carpenter’s trade, and prosperously pursued it while he remained a resident of Lenawee County. His life has been partly that of a student and thinker as well as of a worker, and for sixteen winters in that county he was engaged in the profession of teacher, and while thus imparting his knowledge, he did much good, instilling into the minds of his pupils a wholesome love of learning, and guiding their youthful minds in the right direction.

In the year 1880 he ceased to be a citizen of Woodstock, and on the 23^rd of December, that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Lura M. White, in Jackson, Michigan. 

She is a daughter of Lemuel and Lydia S. (Armstrong) White, who were natives of Livingston County, N.Y., where they lived until 1859. In that year they came to this county, and settled in Allen Township, where Mr. White died August 7, 1887. To him and his wife, who survives him, were born five children, of whom Mrs. Patterson was the third in order of birth. She was born in Livingston County, N.Y., March 17, 1851, and was a mere infant when her parents brought her to this State, therefore she has known no other home. She received from her mother a careful training, is intelligent and amiable, and has made an excellent wife and mother. To her and her husband was born a fine baby boy, August 23, 1887, whom they have named Robert White Patterson.

In the fall of 1881 Mr. Patterson came with his wife to Hillsdale County and settled in the township of Allen, where he bought his present farm. It comprises eighty acres of rich and highly productive soil, which, by his industry and careful management, he has placed in a good state of cultivation. He has erected a fine house and has suitable out-buildings, and other good improvements. The pleasant home of Mr. And Mrs. Patterson is made very attractive to many friends, whom they have gathered around them since coming to this township.

Our subject is a man of strong character, is mentally well endowed, earnest and sincere in his convictions, and is of unblemished reputation. In politics he affiliates with the Republican Party, and faithfully supports its measures when occasion offers. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.