Albert J. Patterson, M. D., a regular practicing physician and surgeon of Grand Rapids, with his office and residence at No. 134 Plainfield avenue, was born in Paris township, Kent county, Mich., February 18, 1859, a son of John and Martha (Spaulding) Patterson, natives of the state of New York, who accompanied their parents to Michigan in 1836, were married in Kent county about 1846, and are now living on their farm in Paris township, aged seventy-two and sixty-four years, respectively. To John and Martha Paterson have been born four children, of whom the eldest, Charles E., is a physician of Grand Rapids; Albert J., is the subject of this sketch; Alice, twin of Albert J., is the wife of Dr. Pressey, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Robert is caring for his parents on the old homestead, to which his own farm lies adjacent.

The early life of Albert J. Patterson was passed on the farm, but at the age of eighteen years he began teaching, and for four years taught the village school of Cascade, Mich. While thus employed he devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine, attended Detroit Medical College three years, and graduated at the age of twenty-four. He began active practice in Kent county, at Sparta, where he remained two years, then practiced four years in Cannonsburg, and January 15, 1888, settled in Grand Rapids, where he has achieved professional reputation. He has secured a competency through his medical skill, and, indeed, has never had a dollar given to him or donated to him, and even paid for his education with his own earnings.

The doctor married, September 5, 1882, at Cascade, Mich., Miss Janet Brown, daughter of Hugh B. Brown, J. P., and to this union was born one daughter—Lois Alice---May 10, 1884, at Sparta.

Fraternally, the doctor is a member of Grattan lodge, No. 196, F. & A. M.; of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Grand Rapids; of the A. O. U. W., the I. O. F., the K. O. T. M., the United Friends, and other orders. He held the office of high physician, state of Michigan I. O. F. in 1898, and during his incumbency suggested the division of the state into two high courts, which suggestion was adopted. He is the high vice-chief ranger of western Michigan, is chief officer of the local court, and has been the examining physician of the same ever since its formation; he is also chancellor commander of Lily lodge, K. of P. The doctor is likewise a member of the Michigan State Medical society, the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, and is a member of the medical staff of the U. B. A. Hospital.

In politics, Dr. Patterson is a republican, has taken a warm interest in local and general politics, and, although never an office seeker, is now serving his second term as coroner of Kent county, to which office he was first elected in 1896.

Dr. Patterson is a trustee of the Second Congregational church of Grand Rapids, and modestly attributes a share of his success in the city of the friendship of his pastor, Rev. J. T. Husted—and while this, to some extent, may be true, his own ability and skill will be found to be the true secret of his prosperity.

January 1, 1899, the doctor established an office for practice, and the more convenient discharge of his official duties in connection with the I. O. F., on Monroe street, and here a portion of each day is spent in attending to the needs of his numerous patients.