SEGMENT: FAMILY BACKGROUND, CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, & NON-FARM WORK
Cliffie Smith Patterson>UIS Collection N-R>UIS Collection N-R, Segment 4
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- FAMILY BACKGROUND
- She was born October 29, 1895. Father was school teacher for 13 years, and was elected Recorder of Laclede County for a term (4 years) until his health worsened. Built a new house on the farm, then moved to Colorado for two years, then moved back to Lebanon, IL where he died. Ms. Patterson and her sister went to live with their grandmother until he died. All siblings were born in the house in Laclede County. Had 2 brothers and 1 sister, born in 1890-1900. Ms. Patterson was only one still alive. Grandmother was German, mother's family was English. Woman in Massachusetts is writing a book about the Cook family. Mother died of "quick consumption," or tuberculosis, when Ms. Patterson was 6. Lived in two different houses in Lebanon, and recalls mother picking berries at the first house, resting on the porch when she was sick, the nurse, and her death on December 31, 1903. Father was Recorder of Deeds at the time and moved the family closer to town after mother died. Tells story about a hired man who did not know how to plant peach seeds. Mother milked cows in the morning when father taught school. Milked cows and family owned horses and a surrey.
- CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
- Started school in Lebanon at Vick School. Had an outhouse where second grade teacher took her picture with her sister. Got water from pump. Church had a Christmas tree, most families did not, and the picture was placed on the church tree. School had two floors. Had high school work in grade school. Had a teacher uncle who helped her cousin and her with tests after her parents were gone. Went to school in a wagon.
- NON-FARM WORK
- Attended Southwest Missouri Teacher's College, at the time called Teacher's Normal. Taught school one year, sister taught two. Stayed with grandparents in Redtop, MO, in Dallas County, and then got married.
