ABEL PATTEN
Son of John and Lucy (Bowman) Patten, was born in Billerica, Mass., May 1, 1805. He was prepared for college at the Latin School in Cambridge, Mass., and at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. After graduating, he completed the theological course of study at Andover, in 1830. From October of the same year, until September 29, 1835, he preached successively, as licentiate, evangelist (ordained Feb. 7, 1832), and pastor (installed May 22, 1833), in Carlisle, Mass.; and from December 16, 1835, until August 1, 1838, he was settled in Monument, Mass. Subsequently to that date, he preached in Hanson, Mass., one year ; in Jamaica and Wilmington, Vt., three years each ; in Marlboro', Vt., about seven years; and in Pittsfield, Vt., three years.
“ In May, 1856," a daughter writes, “he removed to Burlington, Mass., where he preached about two years. Severe and protracted illnesses obliged him to relinquish his care of the religious society in that place. His health being afterwards somewhat improved by a journey to New Hampshire, he preached for a few months in Exeter, N.H., making Burlington, Mass., still his home. Despairing at length of again being able to resume pastoral duties uninterruptedly, he purchased a residence in Billerica, Mass., his native town, and removed his family to that place in March, 1859. He was himself in New Hampshire, for nearly a year after that period; and, most of the time, supplied a pulpit in Alstead. In September, 1863, he accepted the appointment, and entered on the duties, of chaplain of the State Alms House in Tewksbury, Mass. ; but failing health permitted him to continue his duties there but three months. Having in the latter part of November contracted a severe cold, he sank into a rapid consumption ; and died, February 23, 1864, at the residence of his sister in Lowell, Mass., where he had been conveyed soon after the commencement of his illness.”
He was married, June 1, 1836, to Mary Mirack, daughter of John Rumrill, of Ashby, Mass.; and had six children, of whom three are living : Isabella Graham and May Florence, both residing in Waltham, Mass.; and Bowman Wellington, residing in Sunrise, Minn., who was for some time a soldier in the army, during the late war. Mrs. Patten died in January, 1861.
“Endowed with a strong, clear, and discriminating mind, and possessing a lovely Christian character, and good sense in a large degree, he was a very useful man, following his Master closely, and attracting the affections of all who knew him. ... He rested on the Gospel in his hour of need, and found it strong to support and rich to comfort him. He suffered intensely, but was gentle and submissive. When told that he would soon have the victory over his sufferings, he exclaimed with great triumph, 'I have it now.' His closing moments were peaceful as an infant's slumbers." — Boston Recorder.
... For three years, in the 33d Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, the Regiment of which Rev. Daniel Foster, of the Class of 1841, (afterwards killed at Chapin's Bluff. Va.) was Chaplain. Among the important battles in which Mr. Patten bore his part, were those of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Resaci. In the last of these, he was severely wounded ; but he afterwards rejoined his regiment, and came up with them from “Sherman's grand march.”
