Patrick Family Research and Sources — Acknowledging the Work of Stephen B. Patrick

This page documents the research foundation behind the Patrick family stories shared on this site.

Much of the genealogical work was conducted by Stephen B. Patrick, whose research, narrative, and documentation provided a critical starting point for understanding this family line.

The stories presented throughout this project build on that work—adding context, interpretation, and personal reflection to the historical record.

I received an information package and genealogy chart from Stephen B. Patrick in January 1999. I am deeply grateful for his insight, countless hours of research, and his willingness to share this work.

Source Document

The original Patrick family research compiled by Stephen B. Patrick can be viewed here:

The Patrick Family by Stephen B. Patrick

All original research should be credited to him.

Direct Line of Descent

My connection to the Patrick family follows this line:

• Girtha Patrick
• Ira Patrick and Mary Francis Kiper
• David Palmer Patrick and Mary Hull
• Ira Patrick and Laura Tarpenning
• Moses Patrick and Clarissa Geer
• Matthew Patrick and Mary Young
• John Patrick and Rebeccah Wiley
• Matthew Patrick and Mary

Migration Overview

The Patrick family migration reflects a broader pattern of early American movement:

• Dumfries, Scotland (family tradition)

• Northern Ireland (Scots-Irish migration)

• Massachusetts (arrival in 1724)

• Lower Canada / Northern Vermont

• Union County, Ohio (1814 settlement)

• Continued westward migration through Iowa, Kansas, and beyond

Notable Ancestors

Matthew Patrick
Early immigrant to Massachusetts (1724). Served as a delegate representing Warren in support of the U.S. Constitution.

Moses Patrick
Migrated from Massachusetts to Vermont/Lower Canada, then to Ohio in 1814 during border unrest.

Ira Patrick
Described as highly intelligent. Died by suicide in Ohio. His children were raised by Moses and Clarissa.

David Patrick (1838–1864)
Moved west, married Mary Hull, and served in the Union Army. Died following injuries at the Battle of Jenkins Ferry.

Ira David Patrick
Lived across multiple states and wrote letters documenting his travels.

Girtha Patrick
Born in Idaho. Traveled west by wagon as a child and later internationally as an adult.

A Personal Connection

Researching my Patrick family has taken me across the country.

I traveled the road from Swanton, Vermont to Union County, Ohio. I stood at the gravesite of Moses and Clarissa and brought home a rose cutting that still grows today.

I listened to the wind across the Big Darby Plain and thought about a family that kept moving—generation after generation—pushing westward, going just a little further each time, until they reached the Pacific.