JAMES PATERSON

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James Paterson, a retired agriculturist residing in Tipton, was actively and successfully identified with the farming interests of Cedar county throughout his entire business career. His birth occurred in Aberdeen, Scotland, on the 10th of February, 1841, his parents being Joseph and Barbara (Beveridge) Paterson, both of whom were born in Aberdeen in the year 1818. The paternal grandparents, Robert and Isabelle (Lawson) Paterson, passed away in Canada and Iowa respectively. They reared a family of eleven children, all of whom came to the United States with the exception of one who died in Scotland. The record of these children, three of whom still survive, is as follows: Robert, whose demise occurred in the land of hills and heather; Katharine, who wedded John Harvey and passed away in Ohio; William, who died in California; Joseph, the father of our subject; Eliza, who became the wife of John Ingram and died in Kansas; John, a miner, whose demise occurred in Iowa; James, a resident of Montezuma, Iowa; Mrs. Agnes Law, who died while living at Montezuma; Mrs. Maggie Williamson, who likewise passed away there; Mrs. Isabelle Cooper, who was principal of a school at Montezuma for a number years and still resides there; and Alex.

Joseph Paterson, the father of James Paterson, worked at the carpenter’s trade in Scotland and also followed that occupation in this country for several years. In 1841 he brought his family to Ashland county, Ohio, where they resided for eleven years. On the expiration of that period, in 1852, they came to Cedar county, Iowa making the trip by steamboat from Cincinnati down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers. They located on a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Red Oak township and there the family home was maintained for many years. Mrs. Paterson passed away in that township June 9, 1892, her death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Mr. Paterson, who still survives, has traveled extensively and now makes his home with his son, James. He enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance in this county and long been numbered among its substantial and respected citizens.

James Paterson, who was brought to the new world by his parents in his first year, obtained his education in the district schools and also early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, for he assisted in the work of the home farm. Throughout his active business career he carried on general farming in Red Oak township, there owning a rich and productive tract of land comprising two hundred and twenty-seven acres. Seven years ago he disposed of that property and came to Tipton, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He still owns a farm of one hundred acres in Center township but never resided thereon.

On the 25th of December, 1863, Mr. Paterson was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Shearer, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on the 3d of November, 1843, and who came to this country with her parents, Walter and Euphemia Shearer. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Paterson were born three children, namely: Effie Gilmore, who is deceased; J. A., who resides on his father’s farm; and Mary, who lives with her father. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 17th of April, 1873, passing away in Red Oak township.

Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln Mr. Paterson has loyally supported the men and measures of the republican party. He has been honored with election to almost all of the township positions and has served the people of Red Oak township in an official capacity for more than thirty years. For nine years he acted as assessor and for a similar period served as township trustee, while for a number of years he was a member of the school board. He also served as constable in the early days when the duties of the office were much more onerous than they are at the present time. During the entire period of his residence in Cedar county, covering fifty-eight years, he has been a devoted member of the Presbyterian church of Red Oak. His life has been well spent and those who know him entertain for him warm regard by reason of the fact that he has made good use of his opportunities and has always been fair and honorable in his relations with his fellowmen.