JOHN J. PATTERSON

Mr. Patterson who conducts a well-stocked establishment in Welland is distinctively one of the representative citizens and business men of this thriving community, where he has maintained his home for more than forty years, and where his success has been the result of his own ability and well-directed endeavors.

Mr. Patterson was born on September 10^th, 1865, at Port Colborne, Ont., and is the son of John and Anna (Clancy) Patterson, a railroad builder.

John Patterson, the father of the subject of this review, was born in England and was reputed to be one of the best known and competent railroad builders of his day, and came to Canada many years ago and was in charge of the construction work and laying of the Welland Railroad, now the Canadian National, from Port Colborne to Port Dalhousie, Ont.

John J. Patterson, received his early education at the separate school in Port Colborne, and after leaving school followed in the footsteps of his father by going to work on railroad construction, and on big contracts travelling nearly all portions of the United States. His ability and experience enabled him to become associated with the well-known firm of Drake and Stratton Construction Company, of New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. That company was one of the largest railroad constructors in the United States. One of the first of Mr. Patterson’s large contracts was work on the tunnel built under the St. Clair River, between Port Huron, Michigan and Sarnia, Ont., and required several years for completion. In 1891 he moved his family to Welland, where they lived while he was travelling on various contact jobs for the firm. In 1910 he bought out the furniture and undertaking business of George Cronmiller, who had been in that business for forty years, and after taking over this business he made a number of improvements on the property, and in 1921, to meet the requirements of a constantly expanding business, he erected his present building which he now occupies at 125 East Main Street, where he carries nothing but the best of household furniture in connection with the undertaking business. In public life Mr. Patterson successfully served eight years in the Town Council, and was very active; is now a member of the Water Commission and has been for the last six years. He was married on September 22^nd, 1887, to Miss Anna McNeff, daughter of James McNeff, of Thorold; they have five children living. Maude, the eldest, married to George O. Darte, prominent undertaker of St. Catharines; John F., married to Miss Neoma Clifton and associated with his father in business in Welland; Marguerite, now Mrs. C.R. Korman of Milwaukee, Wis.; William Gerald, single, and associated with his father in business; Harold Joseph, married to Miss Stella Traver and they have one son. The two children who have passed away are Anna, who died in November 1920, and James T. who died April 8^th , 1928, All the boys were in service during the World War; John was in the U.S, army. Mr. Patterson’s religious connection is with St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church; his fraternal affiliation is with the Knights of Columbus.

He has built up a substantial and prosperous business and has a well-equipped store that caters to an appreciative patronage, and as a public spirited citizen takes a great interest in any movement toward the betterment of the community.

A.E. Coombs
History of The Niagara Peninsula and the New Welland Canal
1930