William A. Patterson Papers

1879-1881
Manuscript Collection #720
Creator(s)
Patterson, William A., -1881
Physical description
0.055 Cubic Feet, 31 items , consisting of correspondence and miscellaneous materials.
Preferred Citation
William A. Patterson Papers (#720), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Repository
ECU Manuscript Collection
Access
No restrictions

Correspondence (1879-1881) written from Wilmington, NC


Biographical/historical information

William A. Patterson was born in Milton, Caswell County, NC, and was an equal partner in the commission merchant and grocer firm of Patterson and Hicks in Wilmington, NC. This collection is largely comprised of correspondence from Patterson to his sweetheart, Olivia Russell Hargrove, of Townesville, Granville County, NC. Patterson died in 1881.


Scope and arrangement

The letters describe various aspects of nineteenth century courtship, including the couple's meeting through friends and relatives, and a picnic in Townsville. Numerous letters mention tuberculosis and Patterson's experience with the disease, including weakness, chills, and coughing (August 16, 1879-September 8, 1881). The correspondence also describes traveling to the North Carolina towns that Patterson visited for his work, including Laurinburg, Lumberton, Turnpike, Wilson, and Tate Springs, where Patterson retreated to recover from his disease (June 27, 1881). Also mentioned are Patterson's Presbyterian faith and the weather.

Also included are Patterson's portrait, a newspaper clipping with Patterson's obituary, and religious cards.


Administrative information
Custodial History

January 9, 1996, 31 items; Correspondence (1879-1881) written from Wilmington, NC. Gift of Ms. Connie Henderson Fitz, South Pomfret, VT.

Source of acquisition

Gift of Ms. Connie Henderson Fitz

Processing information

Processed by David Adam, February 1997

Encoded by Apex Data Services

Copyright notice

Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.


Key terms
Personal Names
Hargrove, Olivia Russell--Correspondence
Patterson, William A. -1881
Topical
Courtship--North Carolina
Tuberculosis--North Carolina