Stephen Patrick (American politician)

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Stephen Patrick (September 17, 1811 – May 9, 1890) was a New York state assemblyman who represented Cortland County in the 89th New York State Legislature. While in office, he introduced a bill to charter the Cortland Savings Bank and later became a director of the bank.

Born in 1811 in the young town of Cuyler, Stephen grew up as one of 14 children in a farming family. His father, Nathaniel, and mother, Penelope, were among the area’s early settlers. Stephen studied at the district school and also taught school as a young man. In 1833 he moved to Kingston to work for the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company for six seasons, teaching during the winter. There he married Angeline Dickerson on April 13, 1836.

Returning to Truxton in 1838, Stephen bought land, built a home, and farmed. He stayed active in the community, serving on the school committee, examining future teachers, granting certificates, and visiting schools. An early and clear speaker, he helped organize the Whig party as early as 1832 and later helped establish the Republican Party in Cortland County in 1854.

Stephen served as a county supervisor in 1860 and as assessor in following years. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1865 and served on the committee for charitable and religious societies. He worked on laws for road repairs, land bounties, and various social and sporting clubs. His most notable achievement was helping charter the Cortland Savings Bank, and he remained a bank director for life.

His farm grew to about 200 acres with a thriving dairy. Stephen and Angeline helped found the Truxton Methodist Church. They had 11 children, though the first three—Fanny, Harriet, and Adam—died young; the others lived long, healthy lives.

As he neared retirement, Stephen gave the farm to his son John but continued living there. He also worked with fire and life insurance agencies and kept his connection to the bank. Stephen Patrick died after a brief illness at his home on May 9, 1890, and was buried in Truxton Rural Cemetery. Angeline outlived him, later moving to Manlius, where she died on December 23, 1906 and was buried in the same cemetery.