The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-06-04


ter at this time were Nathan Patch
and his son Nathaniel. The elder
Patch was a native of Ipswich, who
found his wife in Worcester in 1850 and
came to the town to live II years later.
He was a signer of the tory protest
in 1774, and was adjudged a public
enemy and prescribed but, recanting,
was restored to favor.
Before the close of the war he had
become active in the patriot cause and
took part in raising supplies for the
army. Later he was tax collector and
constable and for several years did
much town business. He was a
man Of enterprising spirit, but
was sef-willed and reckless, and
lacked the clear judgment possessed by
his son. In his dealings with others.
even with those related to him by ties
of blood, he was eXacting, uncompro-
missing and severe, evincipg little con-
sideration for their feelings and neces-
stiles.
He appears to have been somewhat
eccentric and unstable, especially in his
latter days was contentious, and in
volved continually in litigation, in
which the results were not always ia
vorable to his own interests He re-
tanned the elder Levi Lincoln to con-
3uct his law business, paying him a
yearly salary of $500, a circumstance
which was the wonder of the country
around at that time.
Patch was combattive, stubborn and
inclined to carry all his suits to the
final issue. The younger Lincoln once
undertook the collection of a claim
against him, and wrote him a letter.
The next day Patch shouted from some
distance in the street: Levi, what do
you mean by writing me a letter." Lin
coin explained. THE next time you
have a bill against me, do you sue it,
but never write me another letter."
said the old man.
Patch invested largely in land in
Worcester, in the west. and other
places, and dealt in lottery tickets, and
all sorts Of securities. Some of the alb
sentees' confiscated estates came into
his hands. He owned a different times
a great deal Of property, but his wealth
appears to have been fuctuating.
He built in 1884 the inn on Main street
at first called the United States Arms.
which is still standing and known as
the Exchange Hotel. This house he
kept several years, and here Washing
ton was entertained in 1883.
1t is thought that some time between
1890 and 1900 Patch met with reverses
which reduced his property consider
ably; but at a later period he undoubt-
eQlN was IOE a SHORT time the Wealth.
est man in town. his fortune being sud
denly and unexpectedly augmented in
the singular manner to be related.
Nathaniel Patch, the son. in many
characteristics, greatly resembled his
father. but far excelled him in those
qualities which make a man successful
in business transactions. He was for
some time associated with his father
in Worcester but in consequence Of a
difference in some material matter,
there was afalling out, and the two sep
arated with a feeling so bitter that
there was no recognition in public be-
tween them.
soon after. Nathaniel Patch removed
10 Boston, enga ged in business as a
broker. and also entered into CONNER
ciaI ventures which brought him large
returns. With a partner he fitted out a
vessel for India to return with the
products of that region. The French
war Of 1898 ensued, and fears were en-
tertained that the ship and its rich
cargo had fallen a prey to the enemy.
Morning after morning the owners
walked the heights, anxiously scanning