Robert C. Patterson is
numbered among the intelligent
and honorable men who compose the farming
community of Hillsdale County,
and is quietly pursui
ng his pleasant occupation
on his farm on section 14, Allen Township.
He is a son of Joseph and Katrina (Jagger)
Patterson, who were natives respectively of Ireland and New York State. His
father come to this country from his native land when twenty-one years of age.
After marriage Joseph and his wife began their wedded life in Orange County, N.Y.;
whence they removed some years later to Wayne County, in the same State.
In 1848 they came to
Michigan, and locating in the pretty township of Woodstock, remained valued and
respected members of that place until death. They were worthy, industrious and
true-hearted people. Eight children were born of their marriage, of whom our
subject was the fifth in order of birth.
Mr. Patterson was born in Orange County, N.Y., February 7, 1832, and the years of
his boyhood were spent in his native State, where he acquired a sound education.
He was sixteen years old when he came with his parents to Lenawee County, and he
continued to make his home in Woodstock, where they settled, for many years.
After he came to Michigan he learned the carpenter’s trade, and prosperously
pursued it while he remained a resident of Lenawee County. His life has been
partly that of a student and thinker as well as of a worker, and for sixteen
winters in that county he was engaged in the profession of teacher, and while
thus imparting his knowledge, he did much good, instilling into the minds of his
pupils a wholesome love of learning, and guiding their youthful minds in the
right direction.
In the year 1880 he ceased to be a citizen of Woodstock, and on the 23rd
of December, that year, he was united in marriage with Miss Lura M. White, in
Jackson, Michigan.
She is a daughter of
Lemuel and Lydia S. (Armstrong)
White,
who were natives of Livingstone County, N.Y., where they
lived until 1859. In that year they came to this county, and settled in Allen
Township, where Mr. White died August 7, 1887. To him and his wif
e, who survives
him, were born five children, of whom Mrs. Patterson was the third in order of
birth. She was born in Livingstone County, N.Y., March 17, 1851, and was a mere
infants when her parents brought her to this State, therefore she has known no
other home. She received from her mother a careful training, is intelligent and
amiable, and has made an excellent wife and mother. To her and her husband was
born a fine baby boy, August 23, 1887, whom they have named Robert White
Patterson.
In
the fall of 1881 Mr. Patterson came with his wife to Hillsdale County and
settled in the township of Allen, where he bought his present farm. It comprises
eighty acres of rich and highly productive soil, which, by his industry and
careful management, he has placed in a good state of cultivation. He has erected
a fine house and has suitable out-buildings, and other good improvements. The
pleasant home of Mr. And Mrs. Patterson is made very attractive to many friends,
whom they have gathered around them since coming to this township.
Our subject is a man of strong character, is mentally well endowed, earnest and
sincere in his convictions, and is of unblemished reputation. In politics he
affiliates with the Republican Party, and faithfully supports its measures when
occasion offers. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Lemuel White
Lydia S. (Armstrong) White 
Source 1:
CLICK HERE for Gate Armstrong's pedigree
Lydia is not named among the children but the biographical information along the
way back is better than source 2.
Source 2:
Lydia S. Armstrong
I still need to do some research but between
these two sources there seems to be enough information
to conclude that I have the right connections.
1870 CENSUS for G. Armstrong
and Mahala White
Scipio Township, Hillsdale County
G. Armstrong, 73 and
Mahala, 19
are living in the home of
Mr. and Mrs. (Mariah) Jones (both born in New York).
Lines 37, 38, 39, 40
(make sure to use the zoom in feature)
1870 CENSUS: Lemuel and Lydia
White