The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1901-02-21
DEATH OF MR.. PATTERSON.

The sad news was heralded forth last
Wednesday week of the death of Mr..
T. r. Patterson, of Bridgeport, Ala.
He was married to Miss Elizabeth Cot
tingham,' the only daughter of Mr.. and
Mrs. H. NJ. Cottingham, of Marietta,
several years ago. Her many friends
here deeply sympathize with her in
this sad bereavement. A telegram in
the Chattanooga Times gives the fol-
lowing particulars:
THE STORY FROM BRIDGEPORT.
Bridgeport, Ala, Feb 13.-(SpeciaD-
Thomas X. Patterson, president of the
Bridgeport Stove Works and cashier of
the Bank of Bridgeport, was fatally
shot Wednesday morning at his home
and expired almost instantly.
The cause of this distressing tragedy
which has plunged the whole commu-
nifty in gloom, will never be fully
known. Mr.. Patterson rose as usual
this morning, and passing into the
dressing room adjoining his bedroom,
met his death beyond the eyes of NOR
tai man. Ina moment the house was
startled by pistol shot and his wife,
rushing into the room, found him ex
piring on the floor before the dresser,
while the pistol which caused his death
lay not far from him. The bullet en-
tered his left cheek and ranging up
ward passed through the brain and
struck the ceiling.
The first impression was that it was
suicide, but medical testimony pointed
out the improbabllity of this theory.
Three physicians who have examined
the body all unite in declaring that the
shooting must have been accidental. A
coroner's jury has been empaneled and
will report in the morning.
No possible motive could be assigned
for self-destruction and it is utterly in
compatible with his character and
temperament and with the circum-
stances surrounding the shooting. 1t
is thought that carrying the pistol from
his bedroom where he kept it at night
to the dressing room to place it in his
clothing it slipped from his grasp and
triking some object was discharged
with fatal effect.
Mr.. Patterson became a citizen Of
Bridgeport in 1888, coming here from
New York and engaging in the lumber
business. When the First National
bank was organized in 1891 he was
elected cashier and since that time has
been most actively and honOrahly con-
nected with the business and financial
history of the community. Later he
acquired IA controlling interest in the
Bridgeport Stove works, of which he
was president and manager. The bus
mess he has conducted successfully
and placed in q fiourishing condition.
In all his business Relations he has COM
manded the highest respect and admit
ration of everyone.
About four years ago he married Miss
Elizabeth Cottingham, of Marietta,
Ga, and his domestic relations have
been the happiest.
Besides his bereaved wife he leaves d
father and mother and several brothers
in Hamilton. Ontario, and a sister, Mrs.
! Frank j. Kirkpatrick, of New York.
Mr.. Patterson was member Of
Christ church and also of the Masonic
lodge. His funeral will take place from
Christ church at noon Friday and the
body will be taken to Marietta for in
| terment.
Bridgeport has lost one of its most
upright, progressive and honored cit
liens, and the heartfelt sympathies OF
the whole community go out to the
/ heartbroken family.
The remains were brought to Mariet-
tn on Friday evening and were carried
to the Episcopal church. On Saturday
morning at at 9:30 the burial service
was conducted by Rev. G. 7. A. Pise,
after which the body was placed to rest
in the Episcopal cemetery.
Wine is one cent per quart i'll