Social 12 February 2016

Historical Society celebrates 50th year of Highland House Museum

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By Pamela Nickell
H.C. Historical Society

This is the sixth article in a series from the Highland County Historical Society featuring members of the HCHS Hall of Fame and in recognition of the Highland House Museum’s 50th anniversary.

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Charles R. Patterson
1833-1910

Charles Richard Patterson was a business owner, manufacturer and inventor who lived and operated his business in Greenfield.

Charles was born into slavery on a Virginia plantation.

He gained his freedom by crossing the Allegheny Mountains, hiking through West Virginia and crossing the Ohio River to reach Greenfield, Ohio, a station on the Underground Railroad.

Charles obtained work as a blacksmith for Dines and Simpson Carriage and Coach Makers. He married Josephine Utz of Greenfield and they became parents of five children.

In 1873, Charles went into partnership with J.P. Lowe to form the Patterson and Lowe Carriage Company which became known for its expertly crafted horse drawn carriages. Soon, he bought out Lowe and the company became known as the C.R. Patterson and Sons Carriage Company. Before passing away in 1910, Patterson had received at least five patents including a trill coupling, a furniture caster, a vehicle dash, a buggy top and a combination ladder.

After the death of C.R. Patterson, his eldest son took over the business.

Highland Countians can be very thankful that Mr. Patterson found his home in Greenfield.

Recommendation: “The C.R. Patterson and Sons Company – Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry 1865-1939” by Christopher Nelson, c. 2010.

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