I. L. Patterson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac L. Patterson
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 18th Governor of Oregon | |
| In office January 10, 1927 – December 21, 1929 |
|
| Preceded by | Walter Marcus Pierce |
| Succeeded by | A. W. Norblad |
| Member of the Oregon Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 1918–1922 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 17, 1859 Benton County, Oregon |
| Died | December 21, 1929 (aged 70) Eola, Oregon |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Elizabeth Woodworth |
| Profession | Merchant |
Isaac Lee Patterson (born September 17, 1859, died December 21, 1929) was the 18th Governor of Oregon. He served as governor from 1927 to 1929. Patterson was born in Oregon and worked as a farmer. He also served in the Oregon Legislative Assembly from 1918 to 1922. He was the first governor of Oregon who was born in the state after it became part of the United States.
Early Life and Education
Isaac Patterson was born on September 17, 1859. His family lived on a farm in Kings Valley, Oregon. His parents, Francis and Caroline, had moved to Oregon from Illinois.
Isaac worked on his family's farm until he was 18 years old. He then went to Christian College in Monmouth for one year. After college, he worked as a grocery clerk in Independence, Oregon. He later became a business partner in the grocery store. He worked there for 22 years.
On May 12, 1886, Isaac married Mary Elizabeth Woodworth. They had two children together.
Starting a Political Career
In 1898, Isaac Patterson began his political journey. He was elected to the Oregon State Senate for Marion County. He was one of the youngest state lawmakers at 32 years old.
Later that year, President William McKinley appointed Patterson as the Collector of Customs for the Portland area. He was reappointed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 and served until 1906.
In 1899, Patterson sold his share of the grocery store. He bought a 300-acre ranch in Polk County, Oregon. The farm was very successful. This success helped him start a wool and hide business in Portland.
After his time as Collector of Customs, Patterson focused on his businesses. He also stayed active in the Republican Party. In 1918, he was elected back to the state senate. He represented Benton and Polk Counties. In the senate, he became the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. This committee handles money matters for the state.
Becoming Governor of Oregon
In 1922, Patterson tried to become the Republican candidate for governor. He did not win that election. However, he had strong connections within the Republican Party.
In 1924, he became the chairman of the Oregon State Republican Party Central Committee. He also led President Calvin Coolidge's election campaign in Oregon. These roles helped him become well-known across the state.
Because of his growing popularity, he won the Republican nomination for governor in 1926. He then won the general election against Walter M. Pierce.
As governor, Patterson was inspired by President Calvin Coolidge. He managed the state's money carefully. He worked to make state agencies more efficient. He also stopped laws that would hurt the state's finances. By 1920, Oregon had a balanced budget for the first time.
His administration also worked on improving roads and highways. They developed the state's system for higher education. Governor Patterson also made sure that adult and young criminals were kept in separate parts of the state prison system.
Isaac Patterson was well-liked by everyone, even his political opponents. He died suddenly from pneumonia on December 21, 1929, while still in office. He was buried in Mount Crest Abbey Mausoleum in Salem, Oregon. After his death, Albin Norblad Sr., another Republican, became governor.
