JAMES L. PATTERSON, of the law firm of Patterson & Starkey, Roodhouse, is a native of St. Louis county, Mo., was born aug. 29, 1846, being a son of Lemuel J. and Ann E. (Hume) Patterson, both natives of Missouri. Lemuel J. came to Illinois in 1844, and settled at Schutz's Mill, Greene county. For many years he was engaged in the merchandise business, and was one of the representative men of the county, having served the people in the capacity of sheriff four years, and justice of the peace several terms, in each of which positions he gave entire satisfaction to his constituents. He is now a resident of the city of Roodhouse, and is much respected by his neighbors and friends. James L. Patterson, the subject of this sketch, received his preliminary education in the district schools of this county, and later attended the Winchester High School. In his 18th year he began reading law, under Judge Hodges, at Carrollton, and five years later, in 1870, was admitted to the bar. He had previously taught school for nine years, was deputy assessor for the same length of time, and township treasurer for five years, in T. 12, R. 13, now Patterson township, named so in honor of his father. In Oct., 1877, he came to the city of Roodhouse, and engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, in which he has been eminently successful, now being rated as one of the most successful attorneys in this part of the state. Mr. Patterson has been attorney for the C. & A. R.R. for the past eight years, and has a very extensive railroad practice, in addition to his general. The firm of which he is the head, was established Feb. 3, 1882, and has ever since practiced in the various courts of Illinois and Missouri, their practice being second to no other firm in this part of the state. In March, 1868, James L. Patterson and Mary E. Wilmington were united in marriage. She is a native of St. Louis county, Mo., and a daughter of Edwin Wilmington, a native of England. By their union Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have been blessed with two children - Buell and Harry. Mrs. Patterson is a member of the M.E. church, and Mr. Patterson the Baptist, having united with that organization in 1867. He is also a member of White Hall lodge No. 80, A.F. & A.M., of White Hall lodge, I.O.O.F., A.O.U.W., and K. of P., in two of which he has held most of the offices, at different times. He has been superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school ever since the organization of that society in Roodhouse, and under his efficient management, the school has flourished, now having large classes and a fine orchestra. Mr. Patterson was president of the town board at the time of the organization of Roodhouse as a city, and for five years has been clerk of the district board of education. In politics he is a democrat, and has been chosen as a delegate to every congressional convention held in the 12th district, and has at various times acted as chairman of the same. Since coming to Roodhouse, Mr. Patterson has done much toward the improvement of the city, being associated with Mr. Roodhouse in the erection of many of the best buildings in the city. They laid out the public square, and did much toward bringing trade to the city. Truly, it may be said that he is a representative man.