Bio of Patton, George c Wabasha Co., MN
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Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Barbara Timm and Carol Judge
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This bio comes from "HISTORY OF WABASHA COUNTY" 1884.
Check out Barbara's site for more great information on this book:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnwabbio/wab1.htm
There are also some pictures and information from descendents for some 
of the bios on her pages.

Patton, George, retired merchant, Lake City, is the only child of George
Patton, a successful teacher of twenty-eight years' experience, and Jane
(Humphreys) Patton, natives of Strabane, Ireland, of Irish and English
ancestry. In the city of Philadelphia, on August 24, 1802, was born the
subject of this page. When he was nine years of age, the family then
residing at Williamsport, his mother was drowned in a stage coach which
was swept away by a swollen stream on the way to Pennsborough. The
youthful George was only prevented from sharing his mother's journey and
fate by a mere childish accident. Just as they were about the start, he
fell down and soiled his clothing, for which he was compelled to forego
the trip. When in his fifteenth year, our subject began his mercantile
career, entering a store in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. After serving one
employer five years and another nine, he engaged in business for himself
at Allenville, Mifflin county, in 1831. By the industry and shrewd
business management of fifteen years here, he secured financial
independence, and resolved to locate in Cincinnati, where his children,
six sons and one daughter, might be properly educated. For nine years his
only business was their care and intellectual advancement. Their mother,
Eliza, daughter of James Kellogg, one of the substantial citizens of
Lewistown and Mr. Patton's employer for nine years, was a woman worthy of
such a husband, and ably seconded his efforts. The loss of health prompted
Mr. Patton in 1855 to travel in the west. A tour of some weeks' duration
through Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota territory, satisfied him of the
healthful climate and flattering material prospects of this section. Now,
in his eighty-second year, his general health is good, and his long life
is no doubt to be largely attributed to our invigorating climate, together
with a clear conscience and regular, temperate habits. He left Ohio in
May, 1855, on his prospecting trip, and removed his family to Winona in
July of the same year. Here he bought lots and contemplated a permanent
residence. In the following winter his attention was called to the site of
Lake City by its projectors, and after a survey of the adjacent country,
he became convinced of its natural advantages and decided to purchase an
interest in the town, which he did, and removed his family hither the
following May. At that time boats did not land here, but Mr. Patton
persuaded the captain of the War Eagle to put off his household effects,
cow, etc., on the shore. The boat arrived after dark, and they were
obliged to make their way as best they could to a shanty near by. A severe
storm was in progress at the time, and on reaching the cabin its floor was
found to be soaked with the rain; but here they were compelled to arrange
their bedding and set up a stove and prepare supper. Mr. Patton at once
set about preparations to build, and during this season completed his
present residence, corner of High street and Lyon avenue, and occupied it
in November. All the material had to be freighted from Read's Landing, and
much of it was purchased in Dubuque, the lumber being brought in a raft
from the St. Croix river. The latter was dried in a kiln, erected for the
especial purpose. Stones for the foundation were rolled down the bluffs,
and Mr. Patton was obliged to mix mortar and wait on the mason, in order
to fit the house for a shelter before winter came on. Only one carpenter
and one mason could be found, and day-laborers were unheard of at that
time. In the spring of 1857, Mr. Patton built a store and opened for trade
in April, 1858, continuing in mercantile business till January 1, 1881.
Associated with him were his sons, Hiram and Augustus. The eldest son,
James E., is a prosperous merchant and manufacturer in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, where he has dwelt nearly thirty years. George R., the second,
is in successful medical practice here. Nathan, the fourth, is now dealing
in general merchandise at Tower City, Dakota. Augustus M., died February,
1869, aged twenty-nine years, at Lake City, leaving a widow and two sons.
The only daughter, Eliza J., married Rev. Silas Hazlett, and is now
deceased. December 31, 1878, was celebrated the golden wedding of George
Patton and Eliza Kellogg, at their elegant home, where they were
surrounded with the friends of a quarter century, as well as many later
ones. At the family reunion in the evening were present all the living
descendants of Mr. and Mr. Patton, except Dr. E. A. Patton, of Cincinnati,
including a great-grandchild, Eliza McLean.