Joseph A. Patton, a skilled farmer and stock-raiser, was born on September 9, 1837, in Tipton County, Tenn. Son of George and Taphenis (Leeper) Patton, he moved to Dade County, Mo., as a child. Despite limited formal education, he ventured to California in 1850 before returning to Missouri. In 1862, he enlisted in the Federal Army and served until the Civil War’s end. Patton resided on a 610-acre farm in Cedar Township with his siblings. A member of the Masonic order, he had varied political affiliations, voting for multiple third-party candidates in presidential elections.
Joseph A. Patton, who excels in farming and stock-raising, and whose farm is situated in Cedar Township, Dade County, Mo., sixteen miles northwest of the county seat, was born in Tipton County, W. Tenn., September 9, 1837, and is the son of George and Taphenis (Leeper) Patton. George Patton was born in Pennsylvania about 1800, and, when about three years of age, emigrated with his parents to St. Louis County, Mo., resided there a few years, and then emigrated to Franklin County, Mo. He received his education in St. Louis, and afterward went to Texas, where he taught school for a number of years. He then married Miss Leeper, who was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., about 1812, and three years after marriage he and his wife came to Greene County, Mo., resided there one year, and then moved to Dade County, being among the early settlers of this county. He died in Barton County, Mo., in February 1845. They suffered all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer days, were obliged to go thirty miles to mill, and wolf scalps, honey, and beeswax were articles of trade. They raised their own flax and cotton and manufactured their own clothing. Their family consisted of six children, five now living. Joseph A. Patton’s entire schooling did not exceed four months, and he remained on his father’s farm until 1850, when he took a trip across the plains to California with his three brothers. He remained there thirteen months, engaged in herding stock and in mining, after which he returned home, and in 1862 enlisted in the Federal Army, Company G, Fourteenth Missouri Militia, afterward the Eighth Missouri, and served until the close of the war. He then returned to the old homestead and lived with his mother until after her death. He now lives on the old farm with his brother, John M., and a sister, Martha E. The farm contains 610 acres and is well improved. Mr. Patton is a member of the Masonic order, of Washington Lodge at Greenfield. He was a Democrat in politics but voted for Peter Cooper in 1876; J. B. Weaver, 1880; B. F. Butler, 1884; and A. J. Streeter, 1888.