George Pattinson
Inducted In
1975
George Pattinson, industrialist of Preston, and a native of England, like his grandfather before him was connected with the woolen industry from an early age.
He was associated with the mill of James Crombie and Company, (later Robinson-Howell and Company), and became a business partner. With new owners the firm became the Ferguson-Pattinson Company, and in 1920 the business was known as George Pattinson Limited, with him as president.
He represented South Waterloo in the Ontario Legislature from 1905 to 1914 and was a member of the original Hydro Electric Commission associated with Sir Adam Beck. He was largely instrumental in bringing hydro power to Preston.
Pattinson took a prominent part in the introduction of The Workmen’s Compensation Act and served on the Prison Reform Commission. He held various offices in the municipal council, including reeve in 1889. He was a member of the public school board for many years.