Biographical Sketch of

Alexander Paterick

Transcribed by Suzanne Folk for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 385 - 386

Alexander Paterick established the first blacksmith shop in the town of Marquette, Green 
Lake County, and has been prominently identified with the history of that town since the 
days of its early infancy. This family is of Scottish origin, the parents of our subject, 
John and Jane (Young) Paterick, having both been natives of Scotland. In that country they 
were married and shortly afterward emigrated to America, settling in Schuylkill Co., Pa., 
where the family circle was completed by the birth of four sons and four daughters, the 
oldest of whom is our subject: Robert, died in Clinton County, Iowa; Jane is the wife of 
Thomas Ernst, of Schuylkill County, Pa.; John is living in Grand Rapids, Wis.; Janet is the 
wife of a Mr. Morton, and resides in the Keystone State; Margaret married Thomas Carter, of 
Williamsport, Pa.; Mary became the wife of Dr. Winerick, and after his death wedded E. A. 
Taylor, of Leadville, Colo.; David, who served in the late war and participated in the 
battle of Gettysburg, is now living in Grand Rapids, Wis. The parents, both of whom were 
communicants of the Presbyterian Church, passed away in the Keystone State.

Alexander Paterick, the subject of this notice, was born Dec. 1, 1829, in Schuylkill 
County, where he received his education. At the age of seventeen years be began learning 
the trade of a machinist at Port Carbon, serving an apprenticeship of three years. The first 
year his wages consisted of board, clothing and $25, but at the expiration of his term, he 
had so thoroughly mastered the trade that he was able to command excellent wages. He remained 
in the East until 1849, when he came to the new State of Wisconsin, which had only the year 
previous been admitted to the Union. He settled in the town of Marquette, Green Lake County, 
and as before stated, opened the first blacksmith shop. The liberal patronage which he 
received testified to his ability as a workman and made him one of the well-to-do citizens 
of the community. The wild unsettled condition of the country brought many for miles around 
to his place of business, and he is widely known throughout the surrounding country. Little 
could the most far-sighted at that time have dreamed of the great changes which were so soon 
to take place. There were between three and four Indians living within sight of Mr. Paterick's 
home at the time of his arrival; wild animals were still seen near the settlement and all 
kinds of game, including deer, was plentiful. Most of the homes were log cabins, much of the 
land was still undeveloped and many of the now thriving villages and cities had not yet 
sprung into existence. Many were the hardships and trials endured by the pioneers, but their 
pain was not unmixed with pleasure for greater sociability abounded then than is found 
anywhere except on the frontier.

To Mr. and Mrs. Paterick have been born five children, two sons and three daughters-Hattie, 
who is the wife of Gardnier Miller of this county; Jennie, wife of C. S. Griffith, a lumber 
dealer of Marquette; Frank, Scott and Jessie are at home. At local elections, Mr. Paterick 
supports the man and not the party, but on questions of National importance he casts his 
ballot with the Democracy. He is a representative citizen, public spirited and progressive, 
and himself and family are highly esteemed.






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