Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1942-12-10
TRIBUTE TO CARL PATTERSON
(By Frank L. Bailey)

l (by r fTduk ~. bdllcy)
The passing of Carl Patterson
Oct. 20, 1912, at his home in Ches
terhill, brought feeling of sadnes
to every man, woman and child il
this community, for Carl belonged
/ to all of u.s. Indeed, it has left ;
vacancy not only in his home vii
lage, but in the entire county, fol
| Carl occupied unique place il
southeastern Ohio-minister, bank
er, counselor, friend, he walked
among us for more than a genera
tion-trusted, revered, and honored
We look about us but see no one or
the horizon to take his place.
He was born Oct. 27, 1878 in
Chesterhill, where he spent his en-
tire life. He was the son oi
Charles and Elizabeth Ann Morris
Patterson. His grandfather, Ar
mold Patterson, was among the first
settlers of Chesterhill. His father
was a cabinet maker and one of the
early funeral directors. In his day,
almost all of the coffins in which
Friends were buried were made by
him and ClarksOn Burgess who
worked in his shop for many years.
He also conducted furniture store
and in the early years much of the
furniture was made in his shop.
Carl was worthy product OF
our public school and had the dis
4 of hnin hnr Of "a
first class to graduate in 1891. The
other members of the class were
Charlie Stone, Anna Morrey and
Anna Elliott. The following Sep
tember he entered Ohio State Uni
versity. Toward the close of his
junior year, his father died and
Carl gave up his formal education
to come home and continue his faith
er's business, and be support and
comfort to his mother. However,
this did not end his education, for
during his entire lifetime he was
not only a great reader, but student
as well. At all times he was able
to hold his own in conversation or
argument with those holding several
degrees from the colleges.
On Oct. %, 1896, he was united
in marriage with Edith M. Schofield
Of Chesterhill vicinity. To this un-
ion two sons were born-George A.,
of Columbus, and John S.. of Ches-
terhill. Both attended Friends
Boarding School, Barnesville, and
both were graduated from the o.
S. U. George is an engineer with
the Ohio Fuel company. at Colum-
bus, and John s., after being affil-
lated with the Huntington National
bank, at Columbus, for a few years
returned in May, 1886. to assist in
the First National bank, OF Chester
hill, when his fathers health began
to fail. Besides the widow and the
two sons, four grandchildren sur
vive
Carl was not one Of the founders
of the First National bank, of Ches-
terhill, but about one year after it
was organized, in 1901, he was en-
ployed as cashier. For 35 years he
held this position and filled it with
satisfaction to stockholders and pa
irons alike. In 1895, he resigned
because of failing health, and in
1886 was made executive vice presi-
dent. Clarence Schofield became
cashier. During the entire time
Carl was active in the county, dis
trict and state bankers organiza
tions. Not only banking associa-
tions but every organization in his
community that had for its purpose
the improvement Of the people
morally, Intellectually or spiritually
had his active, as well as his finan-
cial support. He was one of those
who started the Mems Forum, and
so long as he was able was regular
in attendance and made note
worthy contribution to the discus
sion of questions brought before it.
The public school had in him one
of its most interested friends. For
a number of years he served on the
board Of education, being member
when the new building was built.
He was a loyal supporter Of the
Parent-Teachers' association, and.
when his health permitted, seldom
missed a meeting. From its incep-
tion, he was president OF the Pub
lie Library association, and devoted
more time and attention to it than
any other member.
Through his initiative, the
Friends Study Group came into be-
ing. This group has probably made
q deeper study. Of the Bible and the
problems raised in its interpreta-
tion, than any other In our village.
He was president Of the Morgan
County Ministerial association, and
q member OF the executive commit
tee Of the Ohio Council Of Churches,
and was frequently invited to speak