VanPatten, George M.

VANPATTEN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/2/2021 at 21:10:08

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.921

GEORGE M. VANPATTEN
George M. VanPatten, one of the progressive farmers of Squaw township, whose fine farm of two hundred acres is on section 23, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, on the 14th of February, 1868, and is a son of Robert B. and Sarah A. (Nipper) VanPatten. The progenitor of the family in America was Claus Frederick C. VanPatten, who came to this country from Holland and located in Albany County, New York. From him our subject is of the sixth generation removed. In the third generation were several who participated in the Revolutionary war, there being about one hundred of the name belonging to one regiment. while one company of this regiment was commanded by Captain John VanPatten. Robert B. VanPatten, the father of our subject, was born in Cayuga county, New York, March 17, 1825, his parents being Peter and Lydia (Bullock) VanPatten.
George M. Van Patten was fourteen years of age when the family came to Iowa and he grew to manhood upon the home farm in Clarke county, in the meantime acquiring his education in the public schools. On attaining his majority he started out in life for himself and has since devoted his time and attention to farming. In 1897 he came to Warren county and after renting his present farm for a time he purchased it and has since engaged in its operation, having two hundred acres of well improved land under a high state of cultivation. He carries on stock-raising, making a specialty of Percheron horses, shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs.
In 1891 Mr. Van Patten married Miss Annie Holden, of Clarke county, a daughter of C. C. and Deborah (Cramer) Holden, who came to this state from Illinois in 1878 and located in Clarke county. Her father, who was a farmer by occupation, is now deceased. Of the six children born to our subject and his wife three died in infancy. Those still living are, Nina L., Ethel L. and Loyd H., all at home.
The parents are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. VanPatten is a republican in politics. He has filled various township offices in an able and acceptable manner and is now serving as township clerk. Socially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.