Congressman Nat Patton

The East Texas History site says Patton was born on a farm near Tadmor, the third of eighteen children, and schooled early by a tutor named John Noble Herbert before Sam Houston Normal Institute in Huntsville. Franklin Roosevelt also used his nickname, Cousin Nat. He lost the 1944 Democratic primary to Tom Pickett, then worked for the Veterans Administration before returning to law practice in Crockett. He helped get a post office built in Crockett. Lady Bird Johnson called him a professional East Texan. He died in 1957 and is buried in Evergreen Memorial Park.

What the plaque says

Congressman Nat Patton (Feb. 26, 1881 -- July 27, 1957) Native of Houston County, Nat Patton was known for his custom of addressing both friends and strangers as "cousin". After teaching school for a number of years, he opened a law office in Crockett. He served as county judge, state representative, and state senator before winning election to the U.S. Congress from the 7th district. His colorful congressional career spanned a decade, 1935-1945. A longtime mason, Patton married Mattie Taylor and had four children. (1978)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Caddo Mounds State Historic Site — 26 mi
  Three earthen mounds of an ancestral Caddo village and ceremonial center on the old El Camino Real, settled about A.D. 800 and still sacred to Caddo people, with a grass house and visitor center.

More markers nearby

• Vicory Barker Tunstall — steps away
• Mary Allen Seminary — 0.6 mi
• William Monroe Patton — 0.9 mi
• Col. Steward Alexander Miller — 0.9 mi