My Genealogy Hound

Hon. Thomas L. Patterson, a prominent citizen of Oakland County, an esteemed resident of Holly, and a worthy representative of an old pioneer family, was born at Clarkston, Monroe County, New York, in 1836. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Patton) Patterson, both of whom were born in the Peach Bottom Valley, near Gettysburg, York County, Pennsylvania.

James Patterson was a blacksmith by trade but followed his calling but a short time, taking more interest in farming. He removed from York County to Canandaigua, New York, some years later moving to Monroe County, where he located on a farm and also engaged in a mercantile and lumber business. In 1836 he joined the great exodus from the Empire State to Michigan, located a home in Holly township, Oakland County, to which he moved his family in 1845, our subject coming two years later in 1847. This home was the property now owned by Judge Patterson in section 28, and there James Patterson lived until his last days, which were spent in the village. He was a man of unusual force of character and mental strength, and naturally took a prominent part in the early progressive movements. He was a member of the first legislative body which met at Lansing, in 1849, filled all the township offices and for years served as a justice of the peace, holding that office at the time of his death, which occurred in 1865, at the age of 69 years; his wife had passed away two years previously, aged 63 years. Both came of Scotch-Irish ancestry, a combination that has produced some of the most brilliant minds this country has ever known. Mr. Patterson received a land warrant for his services in the War of 1812. He was a Jacksonian Democrat and firm in his adherence to party principles. He had five sons: James C., who resides at Holly, aged 85 years; Andrew J., who is a farmer at Romeo, Michigan; Thomas L.; Simeon B., who served in the Civil War, in Company C, 8th Reg., Michigan Vol. Cav., and died at Holly in 1898, aged 66 years; and William F., who died at Caro, Michigan, in February, 1903, aged 64 years. Our subject’s sisters were: Sarah L., wife of William G. Sherwood, now residing at the age of 83 years in Rose township, near Holly; Eliza J., wife of Harrison Smith, aged 75 years, residing at Saginaw, Michigan; Theresa, wife of Oscar Holmes, residing at Holly, aged 62 years; and Mrs. Siloma Keath, who died at Holly about 25 years ago.

Judge Patterson was 10 years old when he joined his father in Holly township, and he recalls his first teacher, David A. Elliott, the school being located in what was known as the Patterson school district. He attended school at Holly during 1847-48-49, but in 1851 he went to Brockport, New York, where he was graduated at the Collegiate Institute in 1855, this school now being in the State Normal class. Judge Patterson is one of three survivors of his class there. In 1858 he returned to Michigan and for three years was engaged in the study of law; he was admitted to the bar at Pontiac in 1863, and has the distinction of being the oldest but one of the members of the Oakland County bar. In addition to practicing law, Judge Patterson served for 17 years as supervisor from Holly township and for nine years was chairman of the board. In 1884 he was elected Judge of the Probate Court, an honorable position he filled for 16 years. In 1866 the law firm of Patterson & Patterson was formed, consisting of our subject and his nephew, James K. Patterson, the latter serving as prosecuting attorney of Oakland County, from 1874 to 1879, and dying soon thereafter. The name of the firm is still retained and the firm is located at Pontiac, although Judge Patterson has made his home mainly at Holly. It was during Judge Patterson’s term as supervisor of Holly township that so large a contingent was sent to swell the Union ranks, having the record for the largest number in the county. His patriotic father assisted also in every way and made himself liable for the bounties of the soldiers, and it is a matter of history that Michigan paid the first bounties of any State.

In 1865 Judge Patterson was married to Eunice A. Hadley, a member of one of the oldest families of the county. She was born in 1840 in Rose township, Oakland County, and died at Holly, August 5, 1902. Her parents were John and Eunice Hadley. Three sons were born to this marriage, namely: John H., attorney of Pontiac, member of the firm of Patterson & Patterson; Stuart D., a prominent farmer of Holly township; and William F., who resides on the home farm adjacent to Holly village. The one daughter of the family, Marion E., a beautiful and talented girl, a graduate of the Holly schools and a favorite in the family and society, died in October, 1896, in the 20th year of her age.

Fraternally Judge Patterson is a Mason of high degree, belonging to the Commandery, Knights Templar. He attends the Presbyterian Church. He is one of the most popular and public spirited citizens of Holly, is identified with many local improvements and all through his public career has wielded a wide influence.