Dr. Andrew L. Van Patten is one of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Mt. Carroll, and for about twelve years was the only homeopathic doctor in the city. He was born in Onondaga County, N.Y., Feb. 12, 1843, and lived there until 1873. He received a good education in his native State, and studied medicine at the Hahnemann College of Medicine, Chicago, graduating in the class of 1876, when he came to this place, and has lived here ever since.
Dr. Van Patten is now Surgeon for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, which office he has held for some time. As a surgeon the Doctor has been very successful, his patients being among the best people of the country. His practice extends over the greater portion of Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties. He has also a number of students reading medicine with him, which attests the fact of his ability as a demonstrator. He is well supplied with all surgical appliances of the latest and best makes, and of books of recent date.
Dr. Van Patten was married twice. His first wife was Miss Martha Weller, who died young, leaving one child – Frank. His second wife was Miss Jennie M. McKay. The marriage occurred Oct. 7, 1874, and of this union were born two children, both of whom are living – Charles McKay and Leroy. His wife was born Sept. 29, 1846, and is a daughter of Duncan McKay, a sketch of whom appears in another part of this volume. She was educated at Mt. Carroll Seminary, which she attended from 1865 to 1869. After leaving college she taught school for a number of years, until the time of her marriage.
Aaron Van Patten, father of the Doctor, was born in Herkimer County, N.Y., where he lived until he was twenty years of age, when he moved to Onondaga County, the same State, previously marrying the Miss M. Van Patten. He lived in that county, and was engaged in farming until the date of his death, which occurred in 1850, his widow surviving him until 1883.
Dr. Van Patten does not take an active part in politics, but, like a good citizen, always votes. He is a Prohibitionist, but his previous political affiliation was with the Republican party. The Doctor is the leading physician of his county, and is well liked.
Contributed by Carol Parrish from "Portraits & Biographical 1889 Pg 1009
