Ezra Patterson

     Ezra Patterson was born circa 1762 at Barre, Worcester Co, Massachusetts. He was the son of Jacob Patterson and Isabel Bell. Ezra Patterson married Elizabeth (?). Ezra Patterson married Sile (?). Ezra Patterson died on 24 August 1829 at Pittsford, Monroe Co, New York. He was buried at Pittsford Cemetery, Pittsford, Monroe Co, New York; lot 6 E. 1/2. His estate was probated on 5 September 1829 at Monroe Co, New York.¹
     According to the book "Northfield on the Genesee...Early Times in Monroe Co., NY", published in 1981, Ezra Patterson had great influence on the pioneer town on Pittsford when he arrived about 1790 with the Stone family and others from Salem, NY. "With his brother-in-law Paul Richardson, he took an intense interest in the political, intellectual and cultural life of the community, serving it in almost every conceivable capacity." He was elected treasurer as well as librarian of the Northfield Library. Today (1991), in front of the Pittsford Junior High School stands a state historical marker: "First library, Northfield Library Company, 1803-1809, kept its books at the farm of Ezra Patterson, first librarian". Ezra also served as a Major during the War of 1812 and served as a trustee in the Congregational Society.
Ezra was also a Major, for Charlotte County, Capt. Alex. Webster and Long's, War of 1812.² He left a will on 22 August 1829 at Monroe Co, New York; His Will mentions his wife Elizabeth, niece, Betsey; nephews, Philander and Asa Patterson, Augustus Norton and niece Amelia; also son Ezra Hutchinson Patterson of Pittsford. Executors were Eprain Goss, Augustus Norton and Philander Patterson.¹