William Patterson (1752-1835)

He is said to have been born at or connected to the Patterson seat in Ireland's County Donegal, Fox Hall. He made his fortune during the Revolution trading with France for powder and arms to supply Washington’s army. He became the first President of the Bank of Maryland and founded the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He invented and manufactured the Tom Thumb steam engine - the first American-built steam locomotive. He also invested in shipping and real estate in Baltimore. Today's Patterson Park in Baltimore is named for him. He was the father of seven sons who lived to adulthood but only one of his daughter's survived childhood. She (Betsey) is famous for marrying Napoleon's youngest brother although the Emperor had the marriage annulled.