Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/128

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MRGIXIA BIOGRAPHY

ber of the governor's council, a conspicuous figure in his day, a man of great ability, exquisite humor and lofty patriotism. His wife, Betsey Hansford, was a descendant of Thomas Hansford, of Bedford rebellion fame.

Deprived of his father at the age of six years, Seargent S. P. Patteson grew up on the farm, and became familiar with all kinds of labor connected therewith. He attended the schools nearby his home in Buckingham county, but his education was largely ob- tained from the fine library left by his father, with his mother as fellow student, instructor and loving parent combined, and "aiding me as only a mother can aid a boy." P>om these carefully selected works, those of Scott, Dickens, Gibbons, and Macaulay's "History of England" and "Essays" particu- larly attracted the lad, and all historical works ever had a special interest for him. These sterling works of the library were read over and over again with his mother, and to her help during the formative period of his life, he said "I owe most of all." In this manner Mr. Patteson acquired an edu- cation, supplemented by only one session at a higher institution of learning than the country school. During the summer session of 1872-73 he attended Randolph-Macon College, and then began the study of law, aided by his brother Camm Patteson, an able lawyer, and "a generous and very af- fectionate brother." His legal, like his clas- sical education, was under private instruc- tion, and on June i, 1877, he was duly licen- sed and admitted to the Virginia bar. At once establishing an office, he for a time practiced in Bedford and Buckingham coun- ties. Later he located in Richmond, where he has gained honorable distinction as a lawyer of ability and a citizen of worth.

Mr. Patteson is a man of many talents, one of these being an outgrowth of his early training as well as an inborn one. The good doctor's library developed a literary taste, that in mature years found expression in writings, showing broad culture, originality and graceful style. These include a "His- tory of the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia" ; "The Green Bag," and numerous articles for the legal publications on "Law Reform" and kindred topics. His work in literature gained him an election to William and Mary Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in 1902, this honor like college degrees, only

being conferred for merit. He was also a member of the Virginia State Library Board and is a member of the executive committee, Virginia Historical Society. Nor have the demands of good citizenship been neg- lected. Always a Democrat, Mr. Patteson has borne his full share in party responsi- bility, and in council as well as in open compaign has proved his worth to his party. From 1892 to 1894 he was the able chairman of the Richmond City Democratic Com- mittee, and during the session of 1899-1901 represented Richmond in that body. His legislative term was served with credit, and the record of his service shows him sup- porting all legislation that was progressive.

Mr. Patteson has also spent seven years in the service of his state with the Richmond Blues. Richmond Howitzers and Stuart Horse Guards, v\'ell known military organ- izations. He is very fond of all out of door exercise, particularly horseback riding and walking, while his days spent afield with gun and bird dog, are days of special pleas- ure to him. He is not connected with any religious society, but attends the Episco- pal church, that being the church of his fathers for many generations. His clubs are the Westmoreland and Country of Rich- mond, and the City Club, of New York City.

Mr. Patteson is actively engaged in the practice of his profession, with offices in the ]\Iutual Building, Richmond. His practice extends to all state and federal courts of the district and is large in its volume. He is as ever the student, but as willing to im- part as to acquire information. He is the product of unusual circumstances, and his career is one to excite interest from the fact that it puts some supposedly well estab- lished theories of education decidedly on the defensive. Self taught, one might almost say, he has gained an honored position in law, literature and public life. His mes- sage to young Americans who wish to at- tain true success in life is to read good books, and among them to include Frank- lin's "Autobiograhy," a good life of George Washington, and the "Lincoln-Douglas De- bates."

John Barry Purcell. The Purcell family of Richmond, \'irginia. are of Irish descent, and have long been settled in the counties Cork and Limerick, Ireland. Several branches of the family belong to the landed