WILLIAM D. PATTERSON 1855-1916

PATTERSON, WILSON, DAVIS, GILMORE, ANDERSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 5/25/2021 at 19:04:50

The Daily Gate City and Constitution-Democrat
Keokuk, Iowa
August 11, 1916

DROPPED DEAD AT
HOME LAST NIGHT
----
William D. Patterson, Local Attorney,
Succumbed to Heart Failure-
Was Born in Keokuk.
----
MEMBER OF BAR IN 1880
-----
Decedent Had Been Practicing Here
For Thirty-six Years - Leaves
Father, Sister and Brother.
-----

William D. Patterson, a life long resident of Keokuk, who has practiced law in this city for the past thirty-six years, dropped dead at his home, 621 Concert street, last evening at 7:30 o'clock from heart failure.

The decedent had been suffering with this complaint for the last years. Last evening he went out into the kitchen, evidently to secure a drink of water. His sister, Miss Ida Patterson, who was in the front of the house presently heard a gurgling sound and a thug from the rear and rushed to the kitchen to fine Mr. Patterson lying on the floor. Upon examination it was found that he was dead.

William D. Patterson was born in Keokuk on October 9, 1855, a son of John A. and Ellizabeth (Wilson) Patterson. He received his education in the public schools and Miller's Commercial college. He read law with Gilmore & Anderson, eminent attorneys of this city, for three years. Under their advice and instruction he became deeply versed in the basic principles of the profession, and imbibed a large enthusiasm for the law in its higher phases and application.

He was admitted to the bar in 1880, and served some time as an attorney clerk. For a time he as associated with J. C. Davis, a former Keokuk resident, now of Des Moines. In 1884 he began the practice of his profession for himself and had devoted himself to all branches of his work since. His offices for many years were at 24 North Fifth street.

Mr. Patterson was never married and he leaves to survive him, his aged father, John A. Patterson and a sister, Miss Ida Patterson, both of this city, and a brother Robert J. Patterson of St. Louis. The latter is expected here this evening. Funeral arrangements will not be made until after his arrival.

The decedent possessed a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in this city and his death will be noted with regret by all. He was genial and courteous in his manners and made friends easily. Mr. Patterson was an extensive traveler and had visited many parts of the United States.