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JAMES W. PATTON was born February 15, 1840, near Auburn, Sangamon county, Illinois. When but eight years old his father died, leaving his mother with two other children younger than himself. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth A. Moore, and she now resides upon the family homestead near the place of his birth. His grandfather, James Patton, was among the first settlers of Sangamon county, having emigrated from Christian county, Kentucky, in the spring of 1820.

Mr. Patton remained with his mother on the farm until he was sixteen, when he spent two or three years away from home at school. Upon his return he was engaged in teaching for a while. In 1860 he entered the law firm of Messrs. Hay & Cullum, of Springfield, with whom he studied until admitted to the Bar. After that he was engaged with his brother, Matthew Patton in merchandising at Auburn. At the Presidential election of 1864 he was elected one of the Representatives of Sangamon and Logan counties to the legislature. In April 1866, he located in Springfield, and commenced the practice of his profession.