Major William Patrick,was born on the family homestead in 1822, was deputy sheriff of his county at an early age, went into the War between the States with the first volunteers as captain of Company E., 1st Virginia cavalry, and was afterwards major of the 17th battalion of cavalry. In both positions he was distinguished for gallantry and soldierly qualities. He was killed at the second battle of Manassas and was specially mentioned in the dispatches of both " Stonewall " Jackson and J. E. B. Stuart. Jackson said of him: "At a later period Major Patrick, of the cavalry, who was by General Stuart intrusted with guarding the train, was attacked, and though it was promptly and effectually replused, it was not without the loss of that intrepid officer who fell in the attack while setting an example of gallantry to his men well worthy of mention."

And Stuart: " He lived long enough to witness the triumph of our arms and expired thus in the arms of victory. The sacrifice was noble, but the loss to us irreparable."