Patterson - Maria
Source: Muncie Star Press 2 Sept
1929 Monday p 5
Crawfordsville, ind Sept 1-
Mrs. Maria Patterson 103 years old, the
oldest Negro woman in western Indiana and believed to be one of the oldest in
the middle West, is dead at her home here. Mrs. Patterson was born in Kentucky
in 1826 moving to this city when a young girl. She had been a resident of
Crawfordsville 96 years and was known by practically every citizen here. Born
in slavery, Mrs. Patterson after coming to this city had served in the homes of
some of Crawfordsville’s most distinguished families, including the General Lew
Wallace home.
Source: Indianapolis News Mon 2 Sept
1929 p 1
Crawfordsville, Ind Sept 2—Mrs.
Maria Patterson age 103, colored, known to scores of Crawfordsville people as
“Grandma,” is dead at her home here after an illness of two weeks. Born in slavery
in 18926, Mrs. Patterson was brought to Crawfordsville by a physician when 7
years old and had been a resident here 96 years. Her parents lived in Danville,
Ky. She was the oldest resident of Montgomery County and one of the oldest in
Indiana. She had been employed as a maid in the homes of many prominent
Crawfordsville citizens, including Isaac C. Elston, pioneer banker; Senator
Henry S. Lane, General Lew Wallace and the Duckworth, Braden, Smith, Thompson,
Davidson and Keeney families. She married Nelson Patterson in 1851. Her husband
died many years ago. She was one of the founders of the colored ME Church here,
and was baptized in the Methodist Church 87 years ago. A son and daughter
survive.