C.R Patterson and Son’s
read time
Race and Ethnicity
| Toolkit
Our sector has been shaped by many brilliant engineers, inventors, and designers. Sadly, many of these incredible people are rarely spoken about their names often forgotten due to bias. We want to bring some of these pioneers to the forefront, so their contributions are not lost.
In this resource, we’d like to introduce you to Charles Richard Patterson and his son, Frederick Douglass Patterson.
Charles Richard Patterson (1833–1910)
Charles Richard Patterson, who escaped slavery around the time of the American Civil War, went on to build a remarkable career. In 1873, as a free man, he partnered with J.P. Lowe to establish a successful horse-drawn carriage company. Charles held multiple patents in his name, and in 1893 he bought out Lowe, renaming the company C.R. Patterson & Sons. Their carriages were regarded among the finest on the market.
Family
Charles married Josephine Urz in 1865, together they had 6 children, 4 daughters Mary, Nellie, Dorothea and Kate and two sons, Samuel and Frederick. Tragically, Charles youngest son, Samuel passed away in 1899 at just 26 years old. When Charles himself passed in 1910, Frederick, who had been working as a teacher, returned to take over the family business.
Frederick Douglass Patterson (1870–1932)
Frederick was the oldest of Charles son’s and his second oldest child, his father made sure he went to high school even though he would always have a job at his father's company, he was sent to a local high school, he was at first denied entry to this school as he was black but his father sued the school and won. He also when to Ohio state University and became their first ever black American football player. He married and had two son’s Frederick Postell Patterson and Postell Patterson with his wife Bettie Postell.
Frederick led the company into the growing automobile industry. On September 23, 1915, C.R. Patterson & Sons unveiled the Patterson-Greenfield automobile. This two-door coupe featured a 30-horsepower Continental 4-cylinder engine, a full floating rear axle, electric start ignition, and a split windshield for ventilation. Priced at $850, it was competitive for its time, though only about 30 vehicles were produced.
By the 1920s, the company pivoted to manufacturing buses and trucks, becoming the Greenfield Bus Body Company. After Frederick’s death in 1932, his son’s took over leadership, Unfortunately, by 1939 the company was forced to close.
This extraordinary family, led by Charles and carried forward by Frederick, created the first Black-owned American car company. Through skill, resilience, and innovation, their story continues to inspire generations.
If you would like to know more about the incredible C.R Patterson and Son’s check out the below links.
CR Patterson - African American Museum
Share this Page
