Thomas Patterson, one of the respected pioneers of Needham Township, was born April 24, 1801, and is a son of Robert and Jane (Henderson) Patterson. They were both born in Pennsylvania, the father being of Irish descent. Our subject’s early life was spent on a farm in Clark County, Ind. He received a common school education. At the age of twenty-three years he began life for himself as a farmer, which occupation he has continued through life. January 22, 1824, he was united in marriage to Frances Harris, and this union was blessed with the following children; John R., born February 18, 1825; James and William, twins, August 13, 1827; Eliza Jane, January 18, 1830; Samuel C., December 25, 1831; Thomas H., June 1, 1833; David B., September 3, 1835. The mother of these children was born in 1804. He married for a second wife, Nancy Hardesty, and to this union the following children were born, viz.: Francis H., born November 23, 1840; Benjamin F., June 3, 1843; Zerilda C., March 11, 1846; Sarah E., November 21, 1851; Susan I., November 3, 1853; Virginia E., October 4, 1857. The mother of these children was born August 14, 1817. They are both members of the Presbyterian Church, as are all their children. In politics, he is a republican. He now owns ninety acres of well-improved land.