William Patten (1817–1897)

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He helped determine where Sandwich would grow, and who would build it.

Early Life in New York (1817–1843)

William Patten was born January 21, 1817, in East Greenwich, Washington County, New York, the eldest son of James and Mary (Robertson) Patten. Raised on a farm, he spent his early years alternating between agricultural work and a brief period in his uncle’s store, gaining both practical and business experience that would shape his future.

At age twenty-six, like many of his generation, he looked west.

Journey to Illinois and the Freeland Settlement

In May 1843, Patten traveled to Illinois, arriving with limited means but considerable determination. He first worked for George Beveridge near what would become Freeland, a small settlement along the Chicago Road in DeKalb County.

After a brief return to New York to marry Elizabeth Pratt, he came back to Illinois and established a farm just north of present day Sandwich. What began as a modest claim of roughly 80 acres would grow into a substantial holding of several hundred acres.

Freeland, though never incorporated as a town, became an early center of activity in the area. It was here that Patten formed relationships with families, Beveridge, Hummel, and others, who would later play key roles in the development of Sandwich.

A Venture to the Gold Fields

Like many ambitious men of his time, Patten joined the rush to California in 1849. He reportedly left with limited funds, endured the long overland journey, and returned with modest earnings.

The experience did not make him wealthy, but it reinforced the persistence and resilience that defined his life. Upon returning, he resumed farming and continued building his position within the community.

Building a Farm and Community Influence

From the 1840s through the early 1850s, Patten steadily expanded his landholdings and influence. His farm became one of the most productive in the area, and he gained a reputation as a practical, forward thinking farmer.

More importantly, he became deeply involved in the civic and economic development of the region. His efforts extended beyond his own land, he worked to shape the future of the entire community.

Railroad Advocacy and the Birth of Sandwich

When the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad pushed through DeKalb County in the early 1850s, its route and station locations would determine which settlements thrived, and which faded.

Patten was among those who actively advocated for a station in the Sandwich area. Through organized local effort, including meetings and petitions, he helped persuade railroad officials to establish a stop.

This decision proved pivotal.

With the arrival of the railroad, the focus of development shifted away from earlier settlements like Freeland and toward what would become the town of Sandwich. The location of the depot set the stage for the town’s growth.

Bringing Industry to Sandwich

Patten’s influence extended beyond transportation.

According to contemporary county histories, and the Adams Family records, it was “through the influence of the Pattens” that Augustus Adams, then a state legislator and machinist residing in Elgin, was persuaded to relocate to Sandwich in 1856.

That move would change the town’s trajectory.

Adams would go on to found A. Adams & Sons, later the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, establishing the first major industry in the area and placing Sandwich on the national map.

The relationship between Patten and Adams was not merely transactional, they became lifelong friends, and their families remained connected for generations.

Public Service and Political Career

Patten’s leadership was recognized at the state level.

He served in the Illinois House of Representatives and later in the Illinois Senate, representing the region during a formative period in its development. His work in government reflected his broader commitment to infrastructure, agriculture, and community growth.

Locally, he was regarded as a leading voice in civic matters, and his influence was felt in nearly every major decision affecting the area.

Civil War Service

During the Civil War, Patten played an active role in supporting the Union effort. He helped raise troops and served as a captain in Company H of the 156th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

His service reflected both personal commitment and leadership within the community during a time of national crisis.

Progressive Agriculture and Innovation

William Patten was not only a successful farmer but an early adopter of advanced agricultural practices. He installed one of the first windmills in DeKalb County, significantly reducing the labor required to supply water for livestock.

He was also among the first in the region to utilize underground drain tile systems, eventually laying miles of tiling beneath his farm to improve productivity. These innovations transformed his land into one of the most efficient and productive farms in the area and reflected a forward-thinking approach uncommon for the time.

Agriculture, Institutes, and the Fairgrounds

Agriculture remained central to Patten’s life and legacy.

William Patten’s involvement in the Union Agricultural Institute was a natural extension of his own progressive farming practices. Having already embraced innovations such as mechanical water pumping and large scale land drainage, he was among those working to promote improved agriculture across the region through organization, education, and shared knowledge.

He was closely associated with the early agricultural movement in the region, including the Union Agricultural Institute, which predated the Sandwich Fair. These organizations promoted improved farming methods, community gatherings, and regional cooperation.

In 1877, Patten was instrumental in the purchase of land that would become the Sandwich Fairgrounds. This act helped secure a permanent home for what would grow into one of the oldest and most recognized fairs in Illinois.

Final Years and Death

In his later years, Patten spent time visiting his children, who had settled in various parts of the country. He died on February 1, 1897, while visiting a son in Yuma, Colorado, at the age of 80.

His funeral was held at the United Presbyterian Church, reflecting his longstanding connection to the Freeland and Sandwich communities.

Legacy

William Patten’s influence on Sandwich is difficult to overstate.

He:

Helped determine the location of the railroad stop
Encouraged the arrival of its first major industrialist
Served in state government
Supported the Union during the Civil War
Helped establish the region’s agricultural institutions
Secured land for the future fairgrounds

Through these efforts, he helped guide Sandwich from a loosely connected rural settlement into a structured and growing town.

Augustus Adams built Sandwich’s industry,
William Patten helped make it possible.

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Facts at a Glance — Hon. William Patten

Born: January 21, 1817 — Greenwich, Washington County, New York
Died: February 1897 (age 80)

Came to Illinois: 1843
Early Work: Farm laborer for George Beveridge near Freeland; later established his own farm north of Sandwich

Residence: Farm approximately 3 miles north of Sandwich (Somonauk Township)

Occupation: Farmer, landowner, civic leader

Public Service

Illinois House of Representatives (multiple terms)
Illinois State Senator (served during the 1850s–1870s)
Local offices, including Supervisor

Military Service

Captain, Company H, 156th Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Civil War)
Instrumental in recruiting Sandwich-area volunteers

Civic Contributions

Advocate for routing the railroad through Sandwich
Helped secure a station and promote early growth
Founder and leader in the Sandwich Agricultural Institute (1860)

Agricultural Innovation

Among the first in the area to install drainage tile on farmland
Early adopter of wind-powered water systems (Halliday windmill)

Historical Significance

Key figure in bringing Augustus Adams to Sandwich in 1856
Helped shape Sandwich’s early development in railroad, industry, and agriculture

More History Awaits

The story continues every day.

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Research & Sources

The Voters and TaxPayers of DeKalb County, Illinois
DeKalb County historical publications (Freeland and early settlement accounts)
Obituaries and memorial sketches, Sandwich Argus, 1897
Family research and recollections from descendants of Augustus Adams
Local historical and genealogical society materials