William paterson new jersey biography channel

By Leonard B. Rosenberg. Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Political Science

William Paterson was undoubtedly New Jersey’s leading national figure during the early years of the Republic.

Yet little is known about his family background or pre-college years.

William paterson new jersey biography channel

However, it is now generally accepted that he was born in Northern Ireland, probably Antrim, on December 24, 1745 and that two years later he was brought to British America by his father, Richard Paterson. By 1750 the elder Paterson had established a successful general store on the main thoroughfare of "Princetown," directly opposite the future Nassau Hall, the main building of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University).

Although Paterson’s formative years are a matter of conjecture, his later services to nation and state are well documented.

As state attorney-general during the American Revolution, constitution-maker, U.S. Senator, New Jersey Governor, and Supreme Court Justice, Paters