JOSEPH PATTON, retired, Hartstown, was born in Fayette County, Penn, September 29, 1805, and is the son of David and Mary (Free) Patton. His father died in 1810, when Joseph was but five years old. The family consisted of a younger brother and himself. His mother came to this county in 1827, settling in North Shenango, although Joseph was in South Shenango most of the time. He lived in his native county till he was twenty-one years of age, and there learned cabinet making and carpentering, and also worked at the undertaking business. He purchased a farm in this township which he improved in connection with working at his trade. In 1847 he was elected County Commissioner. He was one of the first Justices of the Peace in this vicinity, serving fifteen years. He was also one of the most efficient School Directors in his township. During most of the time he held these offices he was working at his trade, building many houses in Hartstown, when that village commenced, and in the country; having exchanged his farm for a farm near Hartstown, where he now resides. For many years he has been a leading citizen; since 1867 he has suffered from the effects of a severe cut from a circular saw, which nearly severed his right arm. He has since turned his attention to public affairs, and has done much service. He was married, March 15, 1832, to Phoebe, daughter of Petterson Espy, the eldest of a large family, who resided near Espyville. They have been blessed with four sons and four daughters: Mary, David, Thomas, Mercy A., Joseph F., George, Maria J. and Phoebe e., all living. Mary married J. M. Baird, near Hartstown; David married Mary Allen, and lives in Fort Collins, Col., where he is a County Commissioner; Thomas, a farmer, married Elizabeth McMaster; Mercy married J. Eindley, and is now a widow in Greenville with two children; George, a merchant and harness-maker, married Mary Bean and lives in Madison County, Iowa; Maria married Rev. J. W. Nevin, of Fayette County; Phoebe E. is the wife of W. F. Tunison, a grocer in Greenville. All the family are married and doing well, while the parents are retired citizens of Hartstown, wealthy and respected. Mr. Espy, father of Mrs. Patton, was an early pioneer, and her brother yet lives on the home farm. Mr. Patton and family are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.
