Robert Miller Patton

Robert Miller Patton served as the governor of Alabama from 1865 to 1867. He is best known for issuing Patton Certificates to help impoverished Alabama citizens after the Civil War ended.

Political career

Patton was elected to the Alabama legislature in 1832 and served during a special legislative session in 1837. The special session was called to help alleviate a financial depression. During his early political years Patton belonged to the Whig political party but later joined the Republican Party. He continued to serve in the legislative branch up until 1861.

After the Civil War ended, Patton worked closely with the Freedman's Bureau during the Reconstruction period. He later served as a figurehead governor once Major General John Pope was charged with the Third Military District while General Wager Swayne was the commanding officer for Alabama. Patton advised or made recommendations to Swayne as he could not take any formal political action.

Civil War

He did not support leaving the Union, but once the Confederacy was formed, he supported the effort financially and by serving as a commissioner for the Confederacy.

His family lost two sons during the Civil War: Robert W. Miller was killed at the Battle of Selma while William A. Patton was killed at the Battle of Shiloh.

Patton's family also suffered financial losses after their plantation Sweetwater was invaded by soldiers from William Tecumsah Sherman's 15 United States Army Corps briefly held the family hostage November 3, 1863.

Business

He worked in the mercantile business and helped develop several Alabama railroads.

Education

After the Civil War, he helped rebuild the University of Alabama that was burned during the Civil War. He served as a trustee for several schools including the University of Alabama.

Personal life

Patton married Jane Locke Braham on January 31, 1832. She was the daughter of General John Brahan. The couple had nine children.