My Genealogy Hound

William M. Patton, merchant and farmer, born in Haywood County, Tenn., June 5, 1835, was the son of William and Margaret (Johnson) Patton, natives of Orange County, N. C., born in the years 1803 and 1802, respectively. William Patton, Sr., was the son of Alexander Patton, who claims North Carolina as his birthplace. He was drafted near the close of the War of 1812, and because of this did not serve. He was a farmer, of Irish descent, and died nearly eighty-two years of age. The father of our subject moved from North Carolina to Western Tennessee soon after his marriage, which was about 1827, and was one of the early settlers there. He bought a farm soon after coming to this place, and on this he still lives, being about eighty-six years old. His wife died in 1844, leaving a family of seven children, six of whom are living. William M. Patton, the principal of this sketch, was raised and educated in Haywood County, Tenn. At the age of twenty-three he came to Crittenden County, Ark., remaining in this county about four years. He was first married in Tennessee, to Miss Jane More, of North Carolina, and who died in Crittenden County, in 1861. This wife was the mother of two children, both of whom are deceased. His second marriage took place in Crittenden County, in 1863, to Julia E. Hayes, who was born in Gibson County, Tenn., about 1840. She is the mother of seven children, two deceased: Maggie M., Jennie P., Lizzie J., Carrie L. and Roberta M. In 1866 Mr. Patton moved to Lonoke County, and settled on a farm, one mile from where he now lives; residing on this until 1874, after which time he moved to Cabot and opened a general store, where he continues in business as one of the leading merchants in that village. He deals in cotton and general produce, carries a stock valued at $15,000, and is the owner of 1,000 acres of land in this and Pulaski Counties, and is considered the wealthiest man in this part of the county. Starting in life empty-handed, he has made all that he is now worth without any assistance. He joined the Masonic order in 1872, and became a member of the Cabot Lodge No. 319, in which he is acting treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Patton are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, is a strong believer in temperance, charity and good-will toward all men; is not addicted to the use of tobacco, nor strong drink in any form; is prompt in the payment of his debts, believing that punctuality is the life of trade, and that honesty is the best policy; firmly believes that the Bible is inspired, and that it is God’s word to men, and as such must be accepted.