Butte County
Biographies
JAMES THOMAS PATRICK.--The descendant of an honored pioneer family of California, of whom he was a worthy representative, James Thomas Patrick was a farmer for twenty-five years near Chico, and for fifteen years before his death was an honored resident of Magalia, Butte County. For over a quarter of a century he was a successful farmer located south of Chico, but his health becoming impaired he was obliged to seek the higher altitude and clearer atmosphere of the mountain district, which proved beneficial.
James Thomas Patrick was born on Christmas day, 1860, two miles south of Chico. This was the same year that the beautiful and enterprising town of Chico came into existence, and the first residence was built. James T. Patrick was a son of W. G. and Melissa (Wright) Patrick, who were both born in Howard County, Mo., in which state they were married. In 1858 they came to California. An uncle of our subject, Thomas S. Wright, had preceded his relatives to California, having arrived at Sutter’s Fort in 1848, the night before gold was discovered.
James T. Patrick’s early life was passed on his father’s ranch, two miles south of Chico. As a boy he made two round trips to the East, across the plains; the first time with the family, and the second time he rode horseback, accompanying his father. On the ranch he learned farming and also the cattle and stock business. He was an adept in the handling and throwing of the lariat and could ride as well as the most experienced cowboys.
Mr. Patrick was united in marriage, in 1881, at Prescott, Ariz., to Miss Mary A. Greenwood, a native of Oneida County, New York State, but raised in Chico, Cal., to which state she was brought when seven years of age. Her father, Capt. Anson Greenwood, also born in Oneida County, New York, on November 20, 1834, had the distinction of serving under the illustrious Commodore Perry in 1854, when he opened the port and made his famous treaty with Japan. Afterwards he owned and was captain of a canal boat on Erie Canal, and later on Illinois Canal. In 1873 he came to Chico. He is now almost eighty-four years of age and is hale and hearty and resides at 426 Flume Street, Chico.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. James T. Patrick returned to Chico and operated a farm of two hundred fifty acres, for twenty-five years. Mr. Patrick owned this property, which was situated five miles south of Chico. Later he moved to Oakland, where he was engaged in the grocery business for four or five years, but being afflicted with malaria and stomach trouble he moved to Magalia in 1903.
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick were the parents of two children: Frances F., who is now Mrs. Oliver of Oakland; and George G., who is a surveyor and resides in Chico. Mr. Patrick was one of six children: Mrs. S. G. Eastman; Mrs. R. I. Moore; Mrs. S. Schoonover, deceased; James Thomas; Bee, Mrs. Adam Compton; and G. W.
James T. Patrick died on April 1, 1918. His generous acts and kindly deeds toward those less fortunate will live for years to come and inspire the youth of the community to emulate his noble example of helpfulness to others.
Transcribed
by Roseann Kerby.
Source: "History of
Butte County, Cal.," by George C. Mansfield, Pages 1109-1110, Historic Record Co, Los Angeles, CA, 1918.
© 2009 Roseann Kerby.
Golden Nugget Library's Butte County Biographies