William Patterson

PATTERSON, SHUMATE

Posted By: Joseph Covey (email)
Date: 8/18/2010 at 11:13:04

Clipping from the Oskaloosa Herald

OLDEST CITIZEN OF MAHASKA COUNTY DEAD

W.E. Patterson, #615 E avenue west, Mahaska's oldest citizen, is dead.

"Billy" slipped away into complete emancipation at one o'clock Friday afternoon, April 20, 1926, at the age of 106 years, 4 months, and 6 days.

The picturesque old negro slave succumbed to senility and died while in restful slumber.

Born in a cabin near Charlotteville, Va. on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1819, sold into slavery at seven years of age for $1,600, fleeing from the old plantation to follow the Union forces, and finally returning to his "Massa" in freedom, Patterson's life was filled with glowing color.

He came to Iowa with Major Shumate, who brought hundreds of negros from the south to man the Muchakinock coal mines during labor difficulties in the eighties.

As the old "Muchy" camp disappeared, "Billy" turned his eyes toward Oskaloosa where he has since made his home. For awhile Patterson eked out an existance with his little store and restaurant at his humble home.

Then he became too feeble to look after the store and could do little more than hobble about his home. His last act of significance was casting a ballot for hard roads. "Billy" sent word to the boys that he wanted to be counted in on the election and voted a sick voters' ballot.

In late yearsPatterson has lived in hopes that some day he might return to his old southern home and there pass the declining years of his life.

Patterson's funeral will be held from the Colored Baptist church on B avenue west near his home and interment will be made at Forest Cemetery.

(Note from contributor: Photograph of deceased attached to clipping)