Francis E. Patterson

Francis Engle Patterson (May 7, 1821 – November 2, 1862) was an American military officer who served as a captain in the United States Army during the Mexican-American War and as a Union Army brigadier general during the American Civil War.

Career Patterson was born on May 7, 1821, in Philadelphia to Irish-American army officer Robert Patterson, himself a general during the Mexican–American War and the Civil War, and Sarah Engle. His brother was brevet Brig. Gen. Robert Patterson, and he was brother-in-law to another Union general, John Joseph Abercrombie. he entered the army during the Mexican-American War, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Artillery (June 24, 1847 October 28, 1847). He was promoted to first lieutenant October 29, 1847. After the war, Patterson transferred to the 9th U.S. Infantry where he was promoted to captain, March 3, 1855; he resigned May 1, 1857.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Patterson rejoined the army and was commissioned colonel of the 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, a ninety-day militia regiment which saw service as guard duty along the Potomac River. He was promoted to brigadier general in the United States Volunteers effective April 11, 1862, and placed in command of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, III Corps, Army of the Potomac.

He was interred at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania next to his father.