Robert M. Patton

Robert Miller Patton (* July 10, 1809 in Russell County, Virginia; † February 28, 1885 in Huntsville, Alabama ) was an American politician and the 19th Governor of Alabama. He was a member of the United States Whig Party and later the Republican Party.

Early years and political rise

Robert Miller Patton was born in Virginia. His family moved in 1818 to Huntsville, Alabama, where he attended the Green Academy. After that he began in 1829 to work as small traders in Florence. In 1832 he embarked on a political career and was elected to the House of Representatives from Alabama. He also was elected in 1837 in a special parliament that was convened in response to the financial panic and economic crisis of the year. Patton was almost continuously 1837-1861 Member of the Parliament of Alabama. He represented the state in 1860 at the Democratic National Convention in Charleston and at the Secession Convention in Montgomery. He also was a member of the governing body of the University of Alabama and the Alabama Normal College. Patton also represented his County in the Constitutional Convention of 1865.

Governor of Alabama

Patton was elected on November 6, 1865 as the 20th Governor of Alabama. His swearing-in ceremony took place on 13 December 1865. He ran as a Whig for the governorship, but he later joined the Republican Party. During his tenure helped Patton rations for the needy families in the state to obtain. He was also successful in reducing the national debt.

In March 1867, the U.S. Congress Patton gave birth of his official powers as the Reconstruction with the adoption of the Reconstruction Act ended. Major General John Pope was given command of the 3rd Military District and General Wager Swayne was the commanding officer of Alabama. Patton was allowed to formally remain in office and moved into a salary, but he could give no more instructions General Swayne. His successor as governor was sworn in on 13 July 1868, Patton entered on July 24, back from his post, which also ended the period of provisional government.

Further CV

After the end of his political career, Patton was the reconstruction of the University of Alabama active, which was burned by the Union forces during the war. In addition, he was also involved in a variety of companies to the creation and construction of railroads in Alabama. Patton died on February 28, 1885 and was buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville. He was married to Jane Locke Braham, they had nine children together.