A biography of Stella Walthall Patterson (Oct. 14, 1866 - Dec. 23, 1955), orphaned at seven, who, having within her the courageous genes of her ancestors, led a life of adventure and accomplishments --teacher, artist, pianist, wife, mother, adventurer, and above all, gifted in the observation of life, a fine writer and storyteller. She was known as "Dear Mad'm" due to the popular book she wrote titled Dear Mad'm.
Soon after Naturegraph published Dear Mad'm in 1982 fan mail poured in, readers wanting to know what Dear Mad'm (Stella Patterson) did after the year at age eighty was over in which she had vowed to live on her remote mining claim.
We had been unable to answer their questions. The one day a couple stopped by and the husband said he was a grand nephew of Mrs. Patterson. They agreed to do research and write a book. They located eight of Stella Patterson's earlier published stories which are included for your enjoyment.