"General Robert Patterson, whose name is borne by the Patterson School, was born at Cappagh, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1792. He came to America in 1798, and finally settled In Philadelphia. His military service began in the war of 1812, from which he emerged with a captain's commission. In the Mexican war he was appointed a major-general of volunteers, and rendered efficient service at Cerro Gordo. In 1861 he was again appointed a major-general of volunteers, and in this capacity organized the first troops mustered in Pennsylvania. His withdrawal from service was occasioned by his failure to detain Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and his troops in the Valley of Virginia and keep them from joining General Bureaugard on the battlefield of Bull Run. For this failure, which resulted in the loss of the battle, General Patterson was severely criticised, but he never admitted the truth of the charges, and in 1865 published a vigorous defense.

"General Patterson died in 1881, at an advanced age. He never resided in Chester, but is well known to our citizens by his connection with the Patterson mills."