Biographical Sketch (1883):1287, p. 891. "Bruce Patterson, farmer, a resident of Washington Township, section 24, post-office Frank Pierce; was born December 8, 1842 near Utica, Licking County, Ohio; came to Iowa and settled with his parents in Washington township, Johnson County in October 1847. He was married December 25, 1870 to Miss Jennie Van Meter. This union is blessed with two children, Ray and Ney. He is a democrat in politics; his party has honored him with the office of member of the board of supervisor for two terms, and he was elected chairman of the board January, 1883 and he has proved faithful to every trust confided to his care; he has proved himself a successful politician, as well as a successful farmer. He owns a well kept farm with plenty of good stock, and comfortably situated in life."

1842 Birth:1287, p. 891. Birth date of 8 December 1842 taken from History of Johnson County, Iowa. Birth place assumed to be Licking County, Ohio, based on ressidence of parents Ephraim Patterson and Eve Fry in that location in the 18401284 census enumeration, which is supported by the Johnson county history.

1847 Relocated to Johnson County, Iowa:1287, p. 891. History of Johnson County, Iowa description of son Bruce Patterson indicates family moved from Licking County, Ohio to Washington Township, Johnson County, Iowa in 1847.

1850 U.S. Census:2388 Bruce enumerated in the household of his father Ephraim Patterson in Washington Township, Johnson County, Iowa as a male, age 8, born in Ohio, attended school within the year.

1860 U.S. Census:2379 Bruce enumerated in the household of his father Ephraim Patterson in Washington Township, Johnson County, Iowa as a male, age 17, farmer, born in Ohio.

1863 Inheritance from Father:1278, As her authority, Morgan cites Family History Library Film 985939, p. 148-149. Written on 29 May 1863, Johnson County, Iowa, Ephraim Patterson bequeathed $160 to son Bruce Patterson, $30 to purchase a cow and $15 to purchase a saddle and bridle to son Smiley Patterson, and the remainder of his estate to wife Eve Patterson.

Death Certificate: Search by Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Vital Records, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa on 19 June 2001 did not locate Bruce Patterson in the 1904-1920 death index.

1920 Tombstone:3067 Frank Pierce Cemetery, Washington Township, Johnson County, Iowa.
Bruce Patterson
b. 1842
d. 16 June 1920