Erastus T. Patterson, treasurer of The Prairie Oil & Gas Company of Independence, Kan., has risen from an humble station in life to that of prominence. He was born at Kenosha, Wis., Sept. 30, 1865, son and oldest child of Elisha G. and Ellen (Tefft) Patterson. His father was born at Hudson, N. Y., and his mother at Syracuse, that state. The father died at the age of sixty-eight years, but Mrs. Patterson is still living. When Erastus T. Patterson was a child, one year old, his father removed to Titusville, Pa., where the boy was reared, and where he attended the public schools, obtaining a common school education. Soon after completing his education Mr. Patterson accepted a position with the Natural Gas Company of Youngstown, Ohio, and remained with that company ten years, working up from one position of trust to another, until he became cashier. He held that position until he resigned it, in 1896, to come west, and then became an employee of the Forest Oil Company, which had purchased considerable oil holdings from Guffay & Galey. He became bookkeeper for the Forest Oil Company, with whom he remained until 1901, when the company sold out to The Prairie Oil & Gas Company, and the latter company promoted him to the position of secretary and cashier. Mr. Patterson showed marked business ability and judgment, which was recognized by the company, in 1910, by promoting him to the position of treasurer, which position he is now holding to the entire satisfaction of the stockholders. As a business man Mr. Patterson has made a success in the business world. He has invested interests in banks and several industrial corporations. He is a director of The Prairie Oil & Gas Company, and of the Country Club of Independence, and is also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. All his life he has been a stanch adherent of the Republican party, but has been too busy to hold office, and does not care for public life, as his extensive business interests take all his time and attention.

In September, 1895, he was united in marriage with Harriet Neely, at Youngstown, Ohio. She is a daughter of C. M. Neely, was born at Beaver, Pa., and accompanied her parents when they moved to Youngstown, where she was one of the popular young ladies of the city before her marriage. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson—Eleanor G. and Jessie M.