Patton - David H
David H. PATTON
Source: Logansport Pharos-Tribune Thu 11 Sept 1890 p 18
If an irreproachable character dignified manhood, modest and affable demeanor unquestioned ability and patriotic service in the hour of the nation’s peril, give strength to a congressional candidate in this district then the convention held at Monon yesterday unquestionably selected a strong candidate in the person of Col. David H. Patton of Jasper County. Col. Patton was born in Kentucky and is now 53 years old. He began life working on a farm and with his parents moved to Montgomery County this state in 1857. In the same year he entered the Waveland Collegiate institute, completing a scientific course in 1860. After graduation he began the study of medicine at Waveland and followed the pursuit of knowledge in his chosen profession until the breaking-out of the war. When the wires flashed the news over the land that Ft Sumpter had been fired upon young Patton and his former classmates held a meeting at which it was determined that their services should be tendered the government just as soon as it meant protracted, earnest, deadly war. The following historical sketch of his services in the army is reproduced from the Goodland herald. When the news came of the disastrous defeat of the Federal forces at Bull Run the future Col. Patton laid aside his books, relinquished his cherished ambitions for the present and with 12 others hastened to new Albany to join the 38th Indiana already organized and ready for the field. It can never be supposed that they enlisted from any but patriotic motives as the regiment was thoroughly organized; nor was one of the 13 known to a man in the organization. Of the field and staff officers of that regiment, history makes honorable mention. Col. BF Scribner, since general and popularly known as gallant little Scrib, Lt. Col. WQ Gresham, historically known as Gen. Gresham since postmaster general and now the distinguished and popular judge of the federal court; Adjutant DF Griffin since col. who died full of honors. It would seem as if the chances of preferment of the unassuming young man from the country village was meagre indeed in the company of such men. He was chosen by his colonel one of the color guards. The regiment passed into Ky and after incumerable skirmishes and marching and counter-marching for nearly 1800 miles, they were face to face with the Confederates at Perryville, either in the interest of the Confederacy or idiotically no one has yet been able to determine which. It was the fate of the 38th Indiana to bear a conspicuous part of that field of battle where their percentage of loss was as great as that of either of the contending armies at Waterloo. Of the color bearer and guard, patton and Sullivan alone stood erect and the former, as Col. Scribner will testify could touch the colors any time during the entire engagement. Of the 7 that lay upon the ground, 5 were killed outright and one dangerously wounded. The flag staff was shot in two twice and the colors were shot into shreds on that day. Their next several engagement was Stone River, where the colors were pierced by 31 bullets and Private Patton again distinguished himself so much that Col. Scribner promoted him. The regiment participated in the battle of Look-Out Mountain and the Battle in the Clouds in which they again distinguished themselves. The regiment served in the Atlanta campaign, participating in all the battles till that city was taken. In the battle of Jonesboro, Lt. Patton rendered signal service to his country and received the highest praise of his commanding officer being styled the “hero of Jonesboro’s Skirmish Line.” To fully understand the importance of the service rendered it must be understood that Jonesboro was the key to Atlanta and that certain works lying in front of Carlin’s brigade was the key to Jonesboro; and Carlin’s brigade was ordered to take the works. Two regiments were ordered to attack but were repulsed with heavy loss. Two more were ordered to the attack but were also repulsed but they had succeeded in getting close enough to the works to learn that an abatis lay just in front of the works that would have to be torn away to make room for the assaulting column. General Carlin ordered Lt. Col. Griffin to take the 38th as it was all there was left; and he must take the works. Col. Griffin ordering co G Capt HF Perry and Co H, Lt. David H. (B?) Patton as skirmishers to take advantage of the smoke and gathering shades of evening reserving their fire to move noicelessly as possible, tear away the abatis and open a way to carry the works. Capt. Perry fell early in the advance, but Lt Patton and skirmishers cleared away the abatis and the 38th carried the works. To the bravery of Col. Patton on that occasion, Col. Griffin in his farewell address to the regiment (P 336 Indiana’s Roll of Honor vol 2) feelingtly alludes when he sayd, “To the brave boys I can but say that everything is due to their valor on the field, and remember that now you have a leader in the commander of Jonesboro’s gallant skirmish line, meaning Capt. Patton. “After the fall of Atlanta, the 38th went with Sherman to the sea; from Savannath they marched into NC and fought the battle of Bentonville where the senior officer, Cpat Lowe fell leaving the regiment in command of Capt. Patton who brought it to victory. After the battle of Bentonville the regiment went into camp near Goldsboro NC where the commissioned officers of the regiment unanimous chose him colonel. In due time he received a Colonel’s commission and was made commander of the brigade. He enlisted in the regiment the least known and most unassuming man in it and without social or political influence. Aided only by his own brave heart, upright life and strong arm, he won his way to the highest honors of the command and left it the best known and most loved man of all. In civil life he has been equally successful, whether as a student in college, a man in his profession, a citizen or breeder of fine stock. He has betrayed no trust, but bravely met every responsibility and conscientiously discharged every duty. Always and at all times the same quiet, unobtrusive and efficient man and although he does not boast of “an easy competency,” he has the far greater satisfaction to know that he has made easy the path of life for many, increased the burdens of none nor has he ever taken advantage eof the ignorance or straitened circumstances of his fellowman to pile up ill-gotten gains, but for every dollar that he possesses he has returned to the government and society an honest equivalent. Such is the record of the man whom the Democrats have pitted against the wily political trickster, WD Owen.