Patterson, John Kenefick, 1830-1912

Marshall, Michigan, attorney and Republican state senator, 1878-1882.

From the description of John C. Patterson papers, 1843-1910. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 85777409

From the description of John C. Patterson papers, 1843-1924. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34420624

John C. Patterson was born in Eckford, Calhoun County, Michigan on March 27, 1838. He graduated from Hillsdale College in 1864 and from the law department of the Albany Law School in New York in 1865. Though admitted to the bar in New York state, he returned to Michigan to study two years longer in the law office of William H. Brown. Following this additional apprenticeship, Patterson formed a partnership with Brown that lasted until the latter's death in 1895. As a lawyer, Patterson devoted himself exclusively to litigation in the state and federal courts, arguing cases before the state and US Supreme Court.

In 1867, Patterson married Minnie Ward. They had two sons, George Leo and Frank Dean.

In addition, Patterson was a trustee of Hillsdale College, also teaching a course in constitutional law at the college. Patterson served two terms in the Michigan State Senate, 1879-1880 and 1881-1882. In the Senate, Patterson served on the Taxation Committee and introduced legislation calling for the creation of a tax commission. He died May 24, 1910.

From the guide to the John C. Patterson papers, 1843-1910, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)