U.S. Data Repository -- USGenNet Inc. -- Please read the U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on the following page: History and Progress of the County of Marion, West Virginia by George A. Dunnington, Publisher 1880 Pen Sketches of Prominent Citizens RICHARD P. LOTT, ESQ. Richard P. Lott, a brother of Robert B, Lott, was born in the town of Washington, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1833; he died in Fairmont, West Virginia, September 7, 1879, in the forty-seventh year of his age. This brief statement compasses the life history of a remarkable man, yet the task of appropriately elaborating that statement is by no means an easy one. He who occupies a position in his community so prominent as that occupied by Richard P, Lott, cannot have his connection with that community severed, whether by death or other cause, and pass away beyond the portals unregretted, his deeds forgotten. As viewed from the active field to which our common humanity is summoned, his was largely an isolated existence. From his early youth through a life full of work and a career of much usefulness, he was the weary bearer of the burden of deformity, and, to a great degree, of physical helplessness. At the early age of three years he fell a victim to an uncontrollable disease, the effects of which proved to him a grievous misfortune, since thenceforward he was a hopeless cripple, utterly unable to walk. The despair he felt when his terrible affliction became fully confirmed, and as even in his youthful fancy he confronted himself with a future barren of those pleasures found only in equal participation with his fellows in life's pursuits, can be imagined; but not fully realized by one not similarly situated; and none but those who held his most intimate confidence in his manhood can estimate the intensity of the dark shadow that seemed to cloud his life when he allowed himself to contemplate his limited sphere. Yet possessed of a rare faculty for suppressing his emotions he seldom betrayed the thought. For reasons obvious he was never able to attend school, excepting occasionally during one term in his early youth, when he was conveyed to and from the school house by others; he was, therefore, a self-educated man. Without other occupation he early turned his attention to books; and as he progressed in his studies, a strong desire for knowledge was engendered. He soon became master of the elementary, then of the more advanced branches; and not content with these he took up the more difficult studies, including the languages, and his zeal and ambition found reward in success. As he grew older he became a close observer of public affairs, and entered intelligently and with force into discussions of all topics demanding public attention, none enjoying an "intellectual battle" more than he. Having a taste for newspaper writing, he used the press as the channel through which to present his views upon questions of public import, and was ever welcomed as a contributor by all the journals in whose columns he sought space. He was a logical reasoner in debate, wielding a vigorous pen, yet writing with a graceful freedom that won respectful attention from friend and opponent. Since he so closely identified himself with the politics of the day, he may be regarded as having been a "public man" in this respect, and in that field evidenced ability that, had he been favorably situated, would have won him distinction, and honors at the hands of the people. Originally he was of the Democratic school and an ardent admirer of Stephen A. Douglas-- entering upon political thought and action at the most brilliant period of that emininent gentleman's career, Mr. Lott took an active interest in his fortunes up to the assembling of the Charleston Convention of historic fame. With a clear perception, he foresaw the disasters awaiting the "Little Giant," and, in common with thousands of others, he recognized in the proceedings of that convention the gathering of the clouds portending the storm of civil war, and with an earnest desire for peace, he regretfully transferred his allegiance elsewhere. Espousing the cause of the Union, he addressed himself to the task of assisting in the perpetuation of the Federal Government. He was not prepared to endorse Mr. Lincoln, however, and cast his ballot for Bell and Everett. He afterwards became a warm supporter of the Lincoln administration. During the campaign of 1860, and the years of turmoil that followed, Mr. Lott was a constant contributor to the political literature of the day. He vigorously opposed the ordinance of secession, and to him, probably, as much as to many others more pretentious, is due the large vote cast in opposition to that measure in the western part of the Old Dominion. When Virginia seceded, and war was inevitable, he was among the foremost advocates of the proposition for a new state. Though a constant writer for the press, Mr. Lott's name rarely appeared in print, he preferring to employ a nom de plume for all his productions. He was, however, at one time the recognized local editor of the Fairmont National. Early in the year 1861, he was placed in charge of the Fairmont Postoffice, and throughout the war, and for a period of eight years thereafter, as deputy and as chief, he discharged the duties of the position with signal ability, and to the satisfaction of the public. This was the only office he ever held. For several years preceding his death, Mr. Lott was the subject of a disease emanating principally from his previous affliction, and he was finally compelled to abandon all occupation, which he did with great reluctance. At last, yielding to the summons, he passed away, closing an honorable life with the same practical stoicism that had characterized him 'midst his long years of suffering. A firm, true hearted friend, an intelligent, high-minded man and patriotic citizen, he passed into the unknown realms, leaving impressed upon the hearts of a whole community, endearing remembrances of "DICK LOTT."