Patton Family

Research Status: Stub Last Updated: 2026-05-31 Diary Coverage: Carnets 004–005 (May–June 1873, Nice)

Overview

An American family (described by Marie as "Américains") in the Nice social circle of spring 1873. The family includes:

• M. Patton — the husband; Marie has a negative opinion of him, calling him a "brute" for making his wife live in the house where her mother (Mme Savelieff) died.
• Mme Patton — daughter of the dying/deceased Mme Savelieff; deeply distressed by her mother's death and the aftermath.
• Nathalie Patton — daughter; brought home from the Russian church on May 11.
• Several children who play with the Bashkirtseff girls.

The Patton family is temporarily staying at the Villa Savelieff while their own house is being renovated (June 9, 1873).

Diary References

• May 11, 1873 (004.0330): Nathalie Patton brought home from church; Mme Patton at the bedside of the dying Mme Savelieff.
• May 15, 1873 (004.0359): Mme Patton faints at the funeral service.
• May 26, 1873 (005.0065): M. Abramovitch mentions being at the Pattons' and defending Marie there.
• June 4, 1873 (005): The Patton family mentioned.
• June 9, 1873 (005.0224): At Villa Savelieff; M. Patton called a "brute."
• June 14, 1873 (005.0266): M. Patton brings news of a villa for sale.

Research Notes

Per Kernberger (2013), the Pattons were an American family in the Russian expatriate social circle in Nice. American surname "Patton" suggests likely English-speaking family.