Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-02-28
Romance in Real Life.

A brief paragraph has lately run tht
rounds of the press, stating, in effect
that fortune of $3.50, 900 was awaiting
Dr. Patterson, or his heirs, of Mobile
The full history of the case, the discov-
cry of the heir in Chicago, and the pre-.
vious experience of that person, affords
material for first class romance, with
out need of establishment We propose
merely to give the outlines of the story,
which is not less true than strange.
In 1868 rich widow came to this city
from Mobile, and stopped and remained
for some time at one of our principal
hotels. She was the daughter of DR.. b.
f. Patterson, of Mobile, who was once a
Judge, and subsequently became a sur
geon in the rebel service. She came
within the Union lines, and, having con-
verted most of her property into money,
was possessed of $50, 900 in cash, besides
lands, upon her arrival in Chicago. OF
course widow, young, handsome and so
rich, was the recipient of many fatter-
ing attentions while here. With her
child, little girl, as her only compan-
ion, she led, however, very secluded
life, waiting for the termination Of the
war
When hostiIities were over, she went
to Mobile, found that her father was
missing and, no doubt, dead, while his
estates were almost entirely wasted by
the disasters of war, and by litigation.
Residing for short time at Washington,
she became acquainted with, and pres
emily married, Mr.. D., son of we'll
known rebel gunmaker at Richmond
They we're led to try to increase their
fortune in the oil regions, and removed
to that vicinity. Mr.. D-'sinvestments
in the land and in sinking wells were
large, but we're altogether unsuccessful
The result was that, in very few months,
they were quite impoverished, and the
husband went to the frontier to try to
repair his fortunes, while the wife. came
to Chicago second time, having, upon
her arrival, hardly sufficient means to
sustain her for one week. She was one
of gentle blood, aud unused to work, but
she at once sought employment as an
humble seamstress some of our clothing
house men being impressed by her ap-
pearance, readily gave. her such light
work as she was able to do-preparing
necktes, etc. So, with diligence, she
was, in few months, not only able to
provide for herself the necessaries of life,
but to employ two or three assistants,
and to look forward to the establishment
of more independent business.
Her husband, meantime, did not do
well, and proving to be unable to combat
misfortunes successfully as she had
done, he returned in few months, to be
supported by her exertions A few
weeks ago, however, he got at work in a
locksmith shop (near McVicker's Thea
teri, where his skill as mechanic soon
gave promise Of large returns. The
faithful wife often carried his meals to |
him, and sometimes ohided because he |
prolonged his labors far into the night. |
He was then conriying patent skate.
Simultaneously with the appearance |
Of the paragraph % which we have made
reference, came dispatch to the lady |
from Mobile, ano another from Wash,
ington, notifying Ter that, in her fathers
right, she was heiiess to the great estate
that was, as yet unclaimed. The sew
ing machine was gladly abandoned, and
the locksmith threw down his tools. Be-
fore this time, no doubt, the subjects of
fortune are merely laughing over their
little episode somewhere in the vicinity
Of Mobile Bay, and with Questioned spirits
humbly enjoying the goods that have
fallen to them Chicago Republican