Personal Life
Patterson was born in the New Site community in Tallapoosa County sometime between 1891 and 1897, depending on what source is used; according to his drivers' license at the time of his death, his date of birth was January 27, 1894. He grew up on a farm with seven siblings, but left Alabama as a teenager to seek a better life. He eventually settled in east Texas, working as a day laborer on farms and oil fields.
While in Texas, Patterson joined the Third Texas Infantry, earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He began dating Agnes Benson of Colbert County, Ala. and they were married on July 14, 1917. In July 1918, Patterson deployed to France as an officer with the 36th Infantry Division. While in France, Patterson was seriously wounded near St. Etienne. For his service, France awarded him the Croix de Guerre with silver gilt star.
Patterson spent a lengthy convalescence after being discharged before returning to his native Alabama to attend college. He earned a teacher's certificate from what is now Jacksonville State University in 1921 and served as a high school principal in both Clay County and Coosa County. He completed his Bachelor's degree in history from the University of Alabama in 1926, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He would go on to earn his law degree in just one year from the Cumberland School of Law in Lebanon, Tenn. After opening law practices in Opelika and Alexander City, he would settle in Phenix City in 1933.
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