My Genealogy Hound

John H. Patterson, a senior member of the firm of Patterson & Patterson, one of the most prominent law firms in Oakland County, Michigan, has been a citizen of Pontiac since first entering upon his business career.

Mr. Patterson was born at Holly, Oakland County, Michigan, in 1865, and is a son of Hon. Thomas L. Patterson, who is a prominent attorney-at-law and was for many years judge of the Probate Court of Oakland County. The firm name of Patterson & Patterson has long been prominent before the bar of this county, Judge Thomas L. Patterson having been in association with James K. Patterson, the father of Samuel J., who is now a partner of our subject. They practiced at Holly for many years and stood in the front rank of the profession.

John H. Patterson, senior member of the firm of Patterson & Patterson graduated in 1882, and then was a student at the Ann Arbor High School, preparatory to entering the University. He entered the literary department of the University of Michigan in 1883 and attended two years, at the same time attending the lectures in the law department. In 1885 he came to Pontiac and served as clerk of the Probate Court, of which his father was then judge. He continued the study of law under the direction of his father and also under Thomas J. Davis, then an attorney of Pontiac but now of Duluth, Minnesota. He was admitted to the bar at Pontiac in 1887 upon examination before the Circuit Court, and subsequently was admitted to practice before the United States courts. For some time after beginning practice, he maintained his office at the Court House; in 1890 he established his office at the present location in the Clinton Hall block. In 1901 he formed a partnership with Samuel J. Patterson, his cousin, with whom he has since been associated. By reason of his early connection with the Probate Court, he gained a valuable experience in its practice, and since has had much to do in the handling and settlement of estates and in general probate practice. He numbers among his clients some of the most substantial firms and business men of the county. He is general counsel for the Pontiac, Oxford and Northern Railroad Company, having succeeded Judge A. C. Baldwin, deceased, to that office in 1901. He is a director and also attorney for the First Commercial Bank, the strongest financial institution of Oakland County, and for many other leading concerns.

Mr. Patterson was joined in marriage in 1889 with Ella Stanton, who was born in Oxford, Oakland County, and is a daughter of L. W. Stanton, former sheriff of the county and for 25 years a prominent resident of Pontiac, who died in 1899. This union was blessed by the birth of three children, namely: Donald S., Clarence K., and Marion, all natives of Pontiac. The family residence is at No. 127 Saginaw street, South. In politics Mr. Patterson has always been a stalwart Democrat and has been active in campaign work. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias; Uniform Rank, K. of P.; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mrs. Patterson is a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.