Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-11-26

fullest confidence in its perpetuity and sue
cess. With the manliness that always
marked his private life and public acts, and
the independence which followed his con-
victions of what he deemed right, he voted
against the ordinance both as member
and a citizen, though he felt that it must
sever some of the closest ties and friend
ships of his life. During the progress OF
the fateful war that soon commenced, ne
maintained his position with dignity ana
firmness, alleviating as far as in his power
it's horrors protecting his friends with
whom he differed, rebuking those with
whom he acted when need required, watch
ing with just fear and fond heart the IS
sue of the great battles that were being
fought, on the fields of which he had two
sons in the Confederate army. To all 1t
was fearful time. to none more than hlm'
but his high qualities of soul and heart
sustained him we'll, and at it's end he had
all friends and no enemies on either side.
During the war DR.. Patrick was elected
to the House of Delegates Of the ProVl-
sional Government of Virginia, from IA
nawha county, and served as such Tor the
year 1862. After the creation of the State
of West Virginia in 1862, he was elected to
the House of Delegates for the years 1865
and 1865, and was chosen as Speaker OF
that body for the session commencing June
goth, 1868. He was elected to the Senate
of West Virginia from the Kanawha Dis
triet for the session commencing January,
1870 and served the full term.
In noting DR.. Patrick's public life, it is
proper to recall the duties he performed as
a Justice Of his county, and member OF
the County Court of Kanawha, Va. He
was appointed a. Justice of the Peace in
Kanawha, then Virginia, in 1889, commits
stoned by Gov. Campbell, and qualified on
18th May of that year. He held the office
until 1851, when it was made elective by
the people. During his incumbency he Of
ten sat as presiding Justice in the County
Court, that well remembered judicial tri-
bunal, SO much abused by many, SO justly
lauded by some of the wisest legislators,
statesmen, and judges of the day, and now
looked back upon with deep regret by those
who participated in and felt its action.
In his duties as a magistrate and as a
member of that Court, he was active,
prominent, impartial, conscientious, and
useful. He was noted for the promptness
of his decisions, the somewhat brusque but
decisive language IN which they were given,
the good sense which marked them, the
impartiality always maintained, and the
unusual respect they commanded. This
slight sketch of the events of DR.. Patrick s
life shows how eminently busy and active
it was. 1t also shows the high qualities of
head and heart given him, who lived it
successfully as he did. He was possessed
of strong will, clear and quick intelli-
| gence, generous heart and an open hand.
His observations Of men and things were
quick, well retained, and applied with
great profit and benefit in whatever he was
called upon to do. No hesitation marked
his action, no fears deferred him from fol-
lowing his convictions in doing what he
thought vas light. Whilst he was courte-
Gus in his intercourse with the world Of
men and women, and, as has been said of
greater man, he was not lavish in his
phrases Of ecstatic fondness, was saving
in his commonplace expressions of endear-
ment, and did not depreciate friendships
currency by the lavish employment Of its
smaller coin. There was no pretense or
sham about him. He was always sincere;
such a man will always be respected and
esteemed. He was eminently sincere; a
true friend, he was q frank enemy. we
have looked upon him for the last time.
We shall see his strikingly earnest face no
more, hear his emphatic voice no more, but
as we recall both or either, the retrospect
will bring back no painful thoughts, but
be replete with pleasant memories. Peace
full be his rest M.