Patten, James A. (1852-1928)

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Mentioned in (3)
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League to Enforce Peace

Charles Lawrence Hutchinson to Louise de Koven Bowen, December 15, 1908

Chicago Child Welfare Exhibit, General Committee List, March 1911

Platform of The World's Court League Inc., January 16, 1917

Patten, John "Jack" Lourie (1889-1976)

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Birth Date

1852-05-02

Death Date

1928-12-08

Birthplace

Freeland Corners, IL

Biographical Text

James A. Patten - the middle initial stands for nothing - was a commodities speculator, financier, and politician. He began his career working for the Illinois State Department of Grain Inspection from 1874 to 1878, later becoming a member of numerous financial firms. In 1901, Patten was elected mayor of Evanston, IL. He was also president of the Northwestern University Board of Trustees. Patten was known for being a leading financier of the Gilded Age, profiting off rising prices of wheat and flour, giving him the nickname "The Wheat King." During World War I, Patten joined the League to Enforce Peace.

Patten married Amanda Louise Buchanan in 1885. They had four children together. Patten died in 1928.