OKGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of OKGenWeb State Coordinator. Presentation here does not extend any permissions to the public. This material can not be included in any compilation, publication, collection, or other reproduction for profit without permission. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. ===================================================================== HON. DAN W. PATTON Vol. 3, p. 954 The vocation of civil engineering undoubtedly offers a prolific field for those equipped by nature for this line of work, but although its rewards are commensurate with its difficulties, it requires perhaps, a thorough technical knowledge of more subjects than almost any other business in which a man can engage. The great commonwealth of Oklahoma offers an excellent field for the prosecution of this profession, and one who has already made more than a local name as a civil engineer is Dan W. PATTON, who in addition to occupying a place of prominence in his calling, holds prestige as mayor of the flourishing and prosperous City of Poteau. Mayor Patton was born near Forth Smith, Arkansas, August 1, 1885, and is a son of Rufus H. and Mary C. (MCCLURE) Patton, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Arkansas. His father served for a short time during the war between the states as a Confederate soldier, and following the cessation of hostilities removed to Arkansas, where he was married, and where he has since resided. At this time he lives in Sebastian County, his activities in the main being devoted to the pursuits of farming and stock raising, although he has also been more or less prominent in public and political affairs and has held several positions of responsibility and pubic trust. His well cultivated farm, on which are located a modern residence and other valuable improvements, is located near the Village of Huntington. The first fourteen year of the life of Dan W. Patton were passed on his parent's farm and in the meantime he attended the graded and high schools. After his graduation from the latter, at the age of sixteen years, he became a member of an engineering corps in the Department of the Interior of the Federal Government, and continued to be thus employed for about three years. Later he entered the service of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad, in the engineering department, and about one year later was transferred to the western division of that system. His next employment was a construction engineer for the Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railroad, with which he was identified for two years, and on his return to Oklahoma he engaged in private civil engineering and investments. He has maintained offices at Tulsa, Poteau and Sapulpa, at the last-named place being associated in practice with his brother. From Sapulpa Mr. Patton came to Poteau in November, 1911, and here he entered actively into business and civic life, in both of which he became a prominent factor. Aside from much practical experience, Mr. Patton has taken a course of home study in engineering, and as his energetic nature has directed, has also read law, although he has never practiced the latter profession. In politics a stalwart republican, he has been as active party worker, and in 1915 became the candidate of that party for the mayoralty of Poteau, to which was duly elected, assuming charge of the office in May of that year. His administration of affairs as chief executive of the city has been characterized by the same progressiveness and thoroughness that have always marked his private affairs. He had devoted himself whole-heartedly to the securing of better municipal facilities and has gathered about him men of action and ability. Mayor Patton is a Master Mason and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Patton's first wife bore the maiden name of Ella WALL, and is now deceased. The present Mrs. Patton was before her marriage Miss Ethel GALLOWAY. Like her husband, she is a general favorite in social circles of Poteau. Typed for OKGenWeb by: Vickie Neill Taylor, January 5, 1999.