Patterson was born in Monmouth County and was a builder in Blue Ball, now Adelphia, Howell Township.
[1] Patterson fought in the American Civil War and was captain of Company A of the 14th New Jersey Regiment.
At the close of the war, Col. Patterson reentered politics, serving again in the Assembly from 1870 through 1872.
Patterson was elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders representing Howell Township.
At the May, 1873 annual reorganization, he was chosen as Director of the Monmouth County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders and served as director through May 1875.