Bloomington (Monroe County, Indiana) Courier, Mach 10, 1899, p. 5. COLORED WOMAN GIVEN A PENSION The colored people of Bloomington are much gratified on account of the successful passage of a bill granting a pension to one of their number. A special bill for the benefit of Mrs. Catharine Patterson was introduced by Congressman Robert W. Miers of this district who, by his preserving effort and the assistance of Congressman Henry and Overstreet, secured favorable action in the house. Congressman Miers then enlisted the support of Senator Fairbanks who secured its passage in the senate. This is one of only two special pension bills ever passed for colored soldiers in Indiana, the other being for June Alexander of Bloomfield. Mrs. Patterson's husband was a veteran of the Mexican war. Her father was the Rev. Jesse Mitchell who built the first colored Baptist church in New Albany. Too much praise cannot be given Congressman Miers for his successful efforts on behalf of this deserving colored woman.