Edward Patterson

Edward Patterson in a peculiar sense represented the qualities we delight to think characteristic of The Century—responsive, genial, courteous, versed in literature and art, with a singularly well-stored memory. He was educated in Columbia and New York Universities, Hobart and Williams Colleges giving him the degree of LL.D. in later years.

He was admitted to the bar in 1860 and elected Judge of the Supreme Court in 1886. He was re-elected in 1890, designated to sit in the Appellate Division in 1896, made Presiding Justice in 1906, and retired because of the age limit in 1909.

A few days before his death Judge Patterson was presented by a committee of the bar, Joseph H. Choate acting as chairman, with an illuminated address testifying to the esteem in which he was held in his profession, to his eminence as a jurist, to his signal ability, absolute impartiality, spotless character, gracious and charming manner. Not less eminent was Edward Patterson as a Centurion. He loved our Club with its companionship, and to its choicest intercourse he brought more than his share from his rich stores of poetry and wit and learning and thought.

George William Knox
1911 Century Association Yearbook