John M. Patton


John Mercer Patton was a nineteenth-century politician, physician, lawyer and judge from Virginia. Patton served in the United States House of Representatives representing two different Virginia Districts, and was the acting governor of Virginia for twelve days in 1841.

Early life, education and family

Patton was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia to Robert Patton, a Scottish immigrant, and Ann Gordon Mercer, daughter of General Hugh Mercer. Patton attended Princeton University and graduated from the medical department at the University of Pennsylvania in 1818. He went on to study law and was admitted to the bar, commencing practice in Fredericksburg.
He married Peggy F. Patton and they had John M. Patton, Waller T. Patton, James F. Patton, Joseph F. Patton and William Patton, as well as daughters Lucy A. WIlliamson and Eliza Patton.

Career

Patton was elected a Jacksonian and Democrat to the United States House of Representatives originally to fill a vacancy in 1830, but he won re-election twice and served until 1838. He became chairman of the Committee on Territories from 1835 to 1839.
After leaving Congress, Patton was appointed the senior councilor of the Virginia Council of State and therefore the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
After Governor Thomas W. Gilmer resigned in 1841, Patton served as Acting Governor of Virginia for twelve days, until his term ended on March 31, 1841.
Patton returned to the private practice of law, including work on a revision of the Code of Virginia.

Death and legacy

Patton's legal practice continued until his death in Richmond, Virginia on October 29, 1858. He was interred at Shockoe Hill Cemetery.
After Patton's death, his sons James French Patton, George S. Patton Sr. and Waller T. Patton all became Confederate States Army officers, with James French Patton briefly serving on the West Virginia Supreme Court. His grandson George S. Patton became a California attorney and his great-grandson was World War II General George S. Patton Jr..