Robert Patterson
Major General, U.S. Army

Robert Patterson was born on 12 January 1792 in Cappagh, County Tyrone, Ireland.

Patterson commanded troops that fought in conjunction with Winfield Scott during Scott's brilliant march to Mexico City, and Commanded a Division at the Battle of Cerro Gordo (17-18 April 1847). He successfully protected the American base at Vera Cruz from the attacking Mexican forces.

Again made a Major General at the start of the Civil War, he was given the responsibility to hold Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston's forces from joining the main CSA Army in the First Bull Run campaign. He failed to do this, and Johnston's re-enforcement of Confederate troops already engaged at the battle helped to turn the tide against the Union Army.

Personal

His two sons were Union Brigadier General Francis E. Patterson and Union Brevet Brigadier General Robert E. Patterson, both of whom are buried next to him. 

Death and Burial

Major General Robert Patterson died on 7 August 1881. He is buried at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, PA.