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ISAAC D. PATTERSON was numbered among the workmen who were engaged in the construction of the old state house of Springfield, and for a number of years was identified with building interests here. He was born in Orange county, New York, in 1812, and was a son of William and Susan (Denman) Patterson, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, whence they removed to Ohio, settling near Circleville in Miami county, where they spent their remaining days, both dying there. The father was a school teacher by profession and followed that pursuit throughout life. He was a descendant of William Patterson, whose daughter, Elizabeth Patterson married Jerome Bonaparte of Baltimore.

Mr. Patterson of this review acquired a good education in the schools of the east and was thus well qualified to perform many of the duties incident to an active business career. He came to Springfield about 1839 and his first work here was on the construction of the old state house. In the meantime, however, he had resided elsewhere in this state. In 1841 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hall, a native of Lawrence county, Ohio, born on the 17th of March, 1822, a daughter of Elisha and Nancy (Overstreet) Hall, both of whom were natives of New Jersey and came to the west an early day, settling in Athens, Illinois, where they spent their remaining days. Mr. Overstreet, the father of Mrs. Hall, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war under General Washington and was with the army at the capture of Trenton and during the memorable winter at Valley Forge, where bloody foot prints marked the snow where the soldiers had marched in their bare feet. Up to the time of his death Mr. Overstreet was the only soldier who was buried with military honors in the cemetery at Athens, Illinois.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Patterson took up their abode in Mason county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming for a short time. Subsequently they removed to Athens, Illinois, and afterward to Lake Fork, this state, where Mr. Patterson engaged in building operations and also followed farming. His next place of residence was in Williamsville, Illinois, where he remained for a year and then came to Springfield in 1859. Here he worked at his trade until his health became quite seriously impaired, when he retired from active life and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were born eleven children: Caroline is the wife of Daniel J. Auxier, of Springfield; Pembrook James is deceased; Mary is the widow of J. R. Miller of this city and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Marilda C. died at the age of nine years; Martha Elizabeth is the wife of Charles E. Paullin, of the firm of Paullin & Patterson, dealers in glass, wall paper, paints, etc., in Springfield. They have three children: Pauline Pearl, a stenographer; Frank, who is a graduate of the Kentucky University, and Walter, residing in Montana. Mrs. Paullin was a teacher in the public schools of Springfield for several years and is a most estimable and highly cultured lady. Denman Taylor died in infancy; Sarah Frances and William also died in infancy; Colby K., who married Laura Runyon, is a partner of Mr. Paullin; Nellie died at the age of eighteen years; Frank, who was health inspector for Springfield for several years, married Virginia Ellis, and they now reside in Los Angeles, California.

Mr. Patterson was never an office seeker, but gave a stanch support to the Republican party, believing firmly in its principles. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Christian church of Springfield and he took an active part in its work, doing everything in his power to promote its progress and growth. He worked hard, lived an industrious life and as the result of his energy and careful management he became well to do. He died April 15, 1877, and is yet remembered by many of the older citizens of Springfield, who knew him as a man of sterling honor, loyal to his convictions and faithful to his duty, his family and his church. His widow in recent years, because of her advanced age, has sold much of her property and now makes her home among her children. At the present time she is living with her daughter, Mrs. Paullin, at No. 607 Black avenue.