Francis E. Patterson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Engle Patterson
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Patterson c. 1861
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| Born | March 7, 1821 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | November 2, 1862 (aged 41) near Occoquan, Virginia |
| Place of burial |
Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1846–1857, 1861–1862 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Unit | 1st U.S. Artillery 9th U.S. Infantry |
| Commands held | 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, III Corps, Army of the Potomac |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
Francis Engle Patterson (born March 7, 1821 – died November 22, 1862) was an important general in the United States Army. He served during the American Civil War, a major conflict in American history.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Francis Engle Patterson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father, Robert Patterson, was also a general. Robert Patterson fought in both the Mexican–American War and the Civil War. Francis's mother was Sarah Engle.
Francis had a brother named Robert Emmet Patterson. He also had a brother-in-law, John Joseph Abercrombie. Both of them became generals in the Union Army.
Joining the Army
Just like his father, Francis joined the army during the Mexican-American War. He became a second lieutenant in 1847. This was with the 1st U.S. Artillery. Soon after, he was promoted to first lieutenant.
After the Mexican-American War, Patterson moved to the 9th U.S. Infantry. He was promoted to captain in 1855. He left the army in 1857.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Patterson rejoined the army. He was made a colonel of the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in 1861.
Becoming a General
On April 11, 1862, Francis Patterson was promoted. He became a brigadier general. He was then put in charge of the 3rd Brigade. This brigade was part of the 2nd Division of the III Corps. This group belonged to the Army of the Potomac.
Key Battles and Illness
General Patterson led his brigade in two important battles. These were the Battle of Williamsburg and the Battle of Seven Pines. During the Battle of Seven Pines, he became very ill. It seemed he had typhoid fever.
Because of his illness, he had to leave his command. He took a break from the army starting June 7. This meant he missed the Seven Days Battles. By July, he was feeling better. He took on office duties at the army headquarters.
Patterson did not return to leading troops until the fall. He took command of his old brigade again. However, his health problems continued.
Final Days
Patterson was at Catlett's Station later that year. He faced some challenges with his health and military duties. Sadly, he passed away on November 2, 1862. He was found in his tent.
Francis Patterson is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father and brother were later buried next to him.
