His parents, Francis A. and Caroline (née Tatum) were emigrants to the Oregon Territory, having made the overland trip from their previous home of Bellevue, Illinois.

[1] In 1898, Patterson entered politics, gaining election to a seat in the Oregon State Senate representing Marion County.

[citation needed] President William McKinley appointed Patterson to the post of Collector of Customs, Portland District in 1898, and he was reappointed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1902, serving there until 1906.

The farm proved profitable, and it paved the way for Patterson's later venture into a successful wool and hide business in Portland.

After serving out his term as collector of customs, Patterson managed his business affairs and kept working politically inside the Republican Party.