[2] Pattison was born in Hobart, and emigrated to Victoria and was a councillor of the city of Melbourne.

[2] In August 1864, Pattison went to Queensland, and commenced business at Rockhampton, where he acquired a large interest in the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company.

Pattison, who has been Mayor of Rockhampton, succeeded Archibald Archer in the representation of Blackall in 1886, was elected for Rockhampton in 1888, and was a minister without portfolio in the Thomas McIlwraith ministry from June to November 1888.

He was minister without portfolio till the retirement of the Morehead Government in August 1890.

[2] In June 1893, Pattison donated £1000 to erect St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Rockhampton.