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The Tale of Thomas Patterson

Sharon fox

BACK IN THE DAY

Sharon Fox is the curator at the Elmore County Museum in Wetumpka.

The Pattersons of Elmore County were community members that had an impact on the area but may not be household names. Thomas Eldred Patterson was born Sept. 22, 1895, to William Berry and Clara Belle (McWhorter) Patterson. His grandfather, Thomas B. Patterson, was the tax assessor for Elmore County, and Thomas E. Patterson grew up working on his fathers’ farm until he found a job at Tallassee Mills. He brought home $5 a week working in the payroll offices, and part of his job included taking the payroll across the river once a week by rowboat.

He moved into a boarding house in East Tallassee and even after paying rent, was said to still have plenty of money left to lead an exciting nightlife.

When Patterson was around 19 or 20 years old, the family hosted its annual weekend family reunion on the big homestead. Family members came from all over the area, and there was plenty of food and fun to be had. When it came time for everyone to go to bed, the women piled into one room and the men into another.

It was during one of those nights that young Patterson woke to a strange noise coming from the side of the house where the women were sleeping. He went to investigate without bothering to wake the others for help. Upon opening the door where the ladies were sleeping, he discovered a strange man walking around inside. The man, realizing he’d been caught, raced to escape through the bedroom window. Patterson drew his gun and shot the intruder before he was able to escape, killing him. A trial was held, and Patterson was found not guilty.

It was well known that Patterson had something of a temper and carried a gun around wherever he went. It is a family legend that the sheriff asked Patterson to leave his gun at the sheriffs’ office any time he came to town and pick it up on the way out. According to the story, Patterson agreed and continued to do this all his life. Patterson died in September 1972 and is buried in the Carrville Cemetery in Tallassee.

Patterson’s grandfather was a Confederate soldier in the War Between the States, joining first the 61st infantry at Tuskegee in April 1862. He fought valiantly for his beliefs until May 1863 when he was honorably discharged due to an illness that left him temporarily paralyzed. He spent a few months recovering at home and once again returned to the War, joining the 63rd infantry in August 1863.

A year later, Thomas was badly wounded in a battle at Winchester, Virginia. He was taken prisoner at that time and was held until after the war had ended; however, it is docu

mented that he was killed in the battle.

While in prison, Thomas had to have part of his left leg removed from just below the knee due to wounds he received when he was taken prisoner. He was slowly recovering from that and other injuries when he was released from prison in October 1865. Unable to make his own way home due to his health, Thomas’ wife, Martha, hitched up their wagon and headed to Winchester to bring her husband home.

Three years later, on Jan. 22, 1868, Thomas received a free artificial limb from the State of Alabama. He later became the tax assessor for the state, a position that took him away from home often. Thomas’ granddaughter, Ora Wilkerson, became his assistant as a young lady of high intelligence, and would meet at the courthouse in Thomas’ absence to explain the assessments when needed.

Thomas died July 31, 1916, and is buried in the Tuskegee City Cemetery.

Tony Edwards*, CLU ® , ChFC ® Principal tony@wealthmarkfinancial.com

Clay Edwards*, LUTCF ® Associate clay@wealthmarkfinancial.com

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