Archibald Williams Patterson, Esq.
(1858-1940)
President of the Board of Trustees, Richmond College, 1919-1934
Archibald Williams Patterson was born in Richmond and earned his B.A. and B.L. degrees from the University of Virginia. He was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Richmond in 1932. After graduation, Patterson established with his uncle the law firm of Courtney & Patterson. Later, he continued to practice law in his own name. He was a director of Savings Bank.
Mr. Patterson was a trustee of Richmond College from 1902–1920 and continued when the College became the University of Richmond in 1920 until 1940. He was president of the Board of Trustees from 1919–1934 during the time of the transformation of Richmond College into the University of Richmond.
Patterson was superintendent of the Sunday school at Richmond’s First Baptist Church for ten years. He was also a leader in the organization of Associated Charities.
Mr. Patterson’s father, Dr. R.A. Patterson, was a tobacco manufacturer and medical doctor who served the Confederacy as a surgeon. He originated the Lucky Strike tobacco brand, named in reference to the Gold Rush days. His tobacco company, R.A. Patterson and Co., later became a subsidiary of the American Tobacco Company. Richmond’s Patterson Avenue is named for Dr. Patterson.