Background
He was born in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, England and grew up there.
He was born in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, England and grew up there.
He represented Waterloo South in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Conservative member from 1905 to 1914. He came to Ontario in 1870, where he found work at woollen mills in Plattsville and later Preston. After the death of an owner in 1881, Pattinson became a partner in the management of the mill in Preston.
In 1898, he became sole owner.
Working with Sir Adam Beck on the Electrical Power Commission, he helped bring hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls to Preston. During his time in office, he also contributed to the introduction of the Ontario Workmen"s Compensation Acting.
Pattinson was a director for the Mutual Life Assurance Company of Canada and the Economical Mutual Fire Insurance Company in Kitchener.
He also served on the Preston town council, becoming reeve in 1889, and was a member of the local school board.