MAJ. ALEXANDER R. PATTERSON

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 679-680:

Maj. Alexander R. Patterson

(Nevada).

   Perhaps the most important events in the life of Maj. Patterson are those which refer to his career while a soldier during the late war; and brief mention of the part he took in that strife may not be uninteresting at this place. At the breaking out of war troubles he was living in Ohio, engaged in the saddle and harness trade, which he had previously learned, but almost upon the first call for troops he enlisted in the 32d Ohio volunteer infantry and soon commenced active service. His first engagement was at Camp Bartow, October 2, 1861, followed subsequently by the battles of Camp Alleghany, McDowell, Port Republic, and the fighting at Harper’s Ferry, where he was captured. After his exchange his regiment joined the 17th army corps, and from this time on he participated in the engagements at Thompson’s Hill, Jackson, Champion’s Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, on the Meridian expedition, Big Shanty and all through the Atlanta campaign, his experience being one of such hardships and privations as every true soldier must endure. Returning from the battlefield as major, Mr. Patterson spent two years in the oil regions of Ohio, coming thence to this county in 1867, where he was subsequently appointed clerk of the probate court, serving for three years. Then he was admitted to the bar, but after practicing four years his attention was turned towards selling agricultural implements, and in the interest of this business he canvassed the entire county thoroughly. He also sold musical instruments for a time. In later years he has been engaged in selling goods as an auctioneer, of which he is the leader in the county, and success has followed him in this direction. In season he also handles agricultural implements. Maj. Patterson was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., February 19, 1828, the fifth child and fourth son of eight children in the family of his parents, Alexander and Mary (Sigfried) Patterson. The former was of Scotch ancestry, born in Milton, Pa., and by trade was a fuller and dyer, afterwards working as a stone mason. He died in 1844. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. Alexander’s early life was spent in his native State until the age of 19, when he went to Ohio, and since then his career has been noted. September 16, 1851, he married Miss Ann S. Graff, of Knox county, O. Mr. P. belongs to the A. F. and A. M. and G. A. R.

[Transcribed by Becky Siple]

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