Daniel Paterson

DANIEL PATTERSON was born October 8, 1829 in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in the family home known as Kirtlehead, near Ecclefechen. He was the 10th child of John and Jane Hall Paterson. The oldest son, Mungo, broke the family circle in 1842 when he came to America at the bidding of his "girlfriend", Agnes Clow, and it seems sure there were many restless moments as the young folks reached maturity, and young Daniel was no different than many of the older ones. He left home at the age of 20 and came to America. That was in 1849. However, brother Mungo wrote back to the folks in Scotland that Daniel was homesick and might be returning. It seems Daniel did leave a "girl friend" over there but distance made the heart grow fonder for someone else, and Daniel stayed in America.

In 1853 Daniel and his younger brother, James who came over in in 1852, purchased 120 acres of land in Section 9, in Wheatland Township, Will County, Illinois. The land cost them $10 an acre, and was purchased from a Mr. John H. Hall. There had been erected a 12 by 14 building two stories high. The second floor was used for living quarters and the lower floor as a horse stable. Daniel and James used this for their home for several years, probably until Daniel married.

Daniel married Jane Williamson of Lake County, Illinois, October 13, 1859. Jane was born January 1, 1839 in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and migrated to America with her parents. The farm home they built became the center of Patterson activity from that time on. They were the parents of 10 children. the older two died during the epidemic in June, 1864.

"Uncle Dan" was a very exceptional man in many particulars. He had a remarkably strong robust constitution, with great powers of endurance and a large capacity for work. Sickness was unknown to him. He had a strong and pleasing personality. He would be singled out in a company of men as one out of the ordinary. He was a lovable man because he loved everybody. To know him was to love him. His countenance was something beautiful. Goodness was written on every feature. While he was the possessor of a powerful physique he was as tenderhearted and gentle as a woman. Little children were drawn to him, as were the poor and unfortunate. He lived a very plain simple life. Nothing was more foreign to his nature than display of any kind. Quiet, modest, meek and yet he had great courage, and could defend himself and the truth when the occasion demanded. He was eminently pious seven days in the week. He loved the church dearly. He was a member of the Du Page Presbyterian Church for 58 years and an elder for 41 years. He lived nearly 6 miles from the church yet rarely missed a service. He was a wise and able counseller in church matters, and a very efficient officer and member. He had great love and profound reverence for the Bible. He was well grounded in its doctrines and teachings. He had faith that never wavered. When he could not see, he had patience to wait and trust.

"As a citizen and a man among men and as the head of his family, he was not wanting in any of the essentials. A sweet beautiful spirit pervaded his life in all of its relations. He showed to the world a manhood that was strong and wise. Such a life can be explained on no other grounds than that it lived under divine inspiration and consecrated to a divine service. Happy the household, happy the church, happy the state and nion that has such a father, such a citizen and son. We may well bless God for such a life, for such a work, for such a friend "

Daniel shared with his brother James interest in the events of the community, was a regular supporter of the Farmers' Institute, Wheatland plowing match, education, good politics, and farmers interest in events that would better their stature, welfare and development. His wife, Jane, was as enthusiastic as a woman could be in those days, but stood by her husband in all of his interests, religious, political, educational and social. They were active parents, neighbors and citizens.

Descendants of Daniel Paterson