James Paterson

JAMES PATERSON was born January 9, 1832 in the family home at Kirtlehead, near Ecclefechen in Dumfriesshire Scotland. He was the 11th child of the 12 born to John and Jane Hall Patterson. He died in his country home in Wheatland Township, July 31, 1914. He was reared in the handsome cottage of Kirtlehead, and served as a shepherd with the other children, probably replacing some of the older boys who were then able to help in other ways.

James came to America in the summer of 1852. He spent two months in Canada before coming to Illinois. He arrived in Chicago during the month of August and came out to Lockport by way of the canal. From Lockport he set out afoot to the home of his brother Mungo, over 12 miles distant, but after going as far as the Alexander farm, was overtaken by Seth Boughton who was driving a team and wagon, so he got a ride nearly to his destination. His brother Daniel had come to America in 1849 and in 1852 they bought 120 acres, the Daniel Patterson homestead. It consisted of 120 acres in Section 9, Wheatland Township, Will County, Illinois and cost them ten dollars an acre. James and Daniel were partners on the farm. Daniel married in 1859, but James never married, but remained with Daniel and his wife the remainder of their lives. He made two trips to Scotland, one in the early 60's and again in 1884.

"Uncle Jim" was known as the Sage of Wheatland. He was a wonderfully wise man, was a powerful speaker, a fluent writer, a distinguished character, a friend, and a good Scotsman. His appearance demanded respect, and he was loved by all.

His interest was in the farm, and the farmer. He started the Wheatland Plowing Match, showed much interest in the Farmers' Institute, the rural school problem, adult education and opportunities, the political situation, and all movements that aided the welfare of the farmer. His religious interest was expressed in the "Scotch" United Presbyterian Church in Wheatland, whereas others of the relation attended and were active in the DuPage Presbyterian Church. He was a active member of his church and a real pillar for God.

The first plowing match was held in 1877, "Uncle Jim" had met or was President of the "Match" for many years, very eagerly watching the progress and interest in the plowing match. Mr. Patterson was always interested in the Farmers' Institute and was one of the prime movers in its organization and supported it as an agency that would help and enlighten the farmers. As a still further agency of enlightenment he supported the principle of centralization of rural schools, because the education of the older men of the town, as he believed had been deficient, not in character building qualities, but in elements that would be the basis for an education in later years. It was his regret that enabling legislation should not have been passed by the legislature, that would place Illinois in as advanced a position as Indiana and Iowa, as regards education. Mr. Patterson was co-partner in launching the Farmers' banquet and the corn growing contest, in March, 1910. It was his idea that the boys would increase the yield of corn and add to the wealth of the country in a permanent manner, and this has been more than fulfilled, as everyone knows. Another achievement marked up to the credit of "Uncle Jim" back in the early 1890's he led the farmers to political reform and gave the farmer a place in politics. At time of his death a Will County official said, "I consider that Uncle Jim Patterson was one of the greatest men in Will County, whose every effort was for the betterment of mankind. He was a man who loved men and wanted them to advance, be happy and take their rightful place."

James Patterson built up a splendid library, was a most learned man, and carried on a wide correspondence with newspaper editors, politicians, and others. He exchanged views with these men, became personally acquainted with them, won their respect and often met with them, spoke from the same platform, debated the topics of the day and contributed to the activities of this influencial group. Mr. Patterson was a cattleman, a grain farmer and gave much of himself for these personal interests.

He had many personal friends among married families, as the Fergusons, and Stewarts over in the "Scotch" settlement. He drove a spirited horse, a well kept buggy and was a common sight on the roadways of Wheatland.

In 1903, Daniel and James retired from the old homestead, had a home built on the main road, just a quarter mile from the homestead. It was a two story home, a combination barn and carriage house, and a few other out buildings. They had the first bathroom in Wheatland, had water piped to the barn for the horses and set up a very modern home. Here the activities of the great man of Wheatland continued, grew and then after several months illness James Patterson passed peacefully away.

Come on Come on while there is room
For the prairies are filling up fast,
And should you all come man, woman and child,
A kind welcome we will give to the last,
Our house is but sma’ but we will find room for aw,
and theres a routh of gude lumber in auld Michigan.
And what if we lie for a while heads and thaws
Its been aft done afore and is no the worst plan
When I left the auld homestead some eleven years ago
Number one then was all I’d to tend on and please.
And now let us see--but you count us if you will
For one is apt to forget just how many there is
But there is plenty to eat and plenty to wear
And there is wealth on the prairie to dig for.
Mosquitoes are plenty and luxuries are rare,
But these you do not care a fig for.
Grub of all kinds are plenty tho money be scant,
Yet abundance of that ye’ll bring with you,
And if that be the case you’d better believe,
You will find friends enough to receive you.
If you have got a white felt and plenty of dimes,
you’ll never want some one to favor ye.
Through out all Yankee Lan ye’ll be taen by the han,
If you will only keep still about slavery.
A fine coat on your back; and cash for to spend,
You’ll fine hundreds to admire your bravery,
Through out all Yankee Lan you’ll be taen by the hand
If you will only say nought about slavery,
Thing it is wrong and we know it full well,
But Sambo is only a Nigger.
And if you’ll be patient it may be who can tell,
We’ll unhitch him when he grows a bit bigger.
These one thing quite certain, that all of your fuss
Will not loosen one single fetter,
And we’ve made up our minds and you best do the same
The less said about it the better,
Then come on come on, there’s room enough yet
Though the prairies are settling fast,
And should all of you come, man, woman and child,
A kind welcome we’ll give to the last.
Get lovesick or homesick our only cure,
Is a bicker of mush night and morning,
And if you get married of one thing be sure
You will get a most terrible horning.

In the rhyme which I have sent you there is 2 or 3 Yankee phrases which I will explain. “Grub” is vittles or stuff to eat. “You had better believe” that the same as an old woman’s “truly or my word”, “Sambo is only a niggar”. He is no man, he is only a niggar (some hold this opinion but I think they are but few though I have talked with some) But its common signification is, he is very far inferior to us in his intellectual compacities and fit for none but slavery. I may just say that these are not our ideas about the slave question. We want the subject agitated in every practical way. They are something like what we will find in slave states, but many in the North will tell you the same. “Unhitch” unloose. Horning is an old semi-barbarous, French custom and which they call charivarie in French. It consists chiefly of noise by the rabble round the brides house the night of the wedding and they say it is sometimes terrible. Tho I have not at one nor never will I hope.
Give my kind wishes to all the friends,

M. Patterson
Yours in haste