John Pattee was born in Canada and removed to Bremer County, Iowa around 1850. From 1855 to 1859 he served as Auditor of Public Accounts, apppointed to the post by Governor J.W. Grimes. He entered military service early in the Civil War, assigned first to Company A of the 14th Iowa Infantry Regiment. Companies A, B, and C were detached from this regiment and sent under Captain Pattee's command to Fort Randall in Dakota Territory to relieve United States troops fighting the Indians on the frontier. On September 18, 1862 the 3 detached companies were transferred from the 14th Iowa Infantry and were officially designated the 41st Iowa Infantry Battalion. Captain Pattee was promoted to Major and continued in command of the new battalion. In April 1863 the battalion was transferred to the 7th Iowa Cavalry, becoming companies K, L, and M of that regiment. In May of 1863 Pattee was promoted to Lt. Colonel. He was mustered out at Sioux City on June 22, 1866. After his discharge he spent most of the rest of his life in South Dakota.
From the description of John Pattee papers, 1856-1882 (bulk 1862-1865). (Iowa Sate Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 57673508
