John Patton Erwin

John Patton Erwin was born on January 8, 1795 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.[1] His father was Col. Andrew Patton Erwin, a land speculator, and his mother, Jane Patton.[1][2] He had nine siblings.[2] His brothers-in-law included John Williams, U.S. Senator from Tennessee, Lewis Williams, a U.S. Representative from North Carolina, and Thomas Lanier Williams, Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court.[2]

In 1817, he became an alderman in Nashville and in 1820 he was admitted to the bar.[2] He served as Mayor of Nashville from 1821 to 1822.[1][3] He also served as Principal Clerk of the Tennessee House of Representatives as well as editor of the Nashville Whig.[2][4] He was opposed to Andrew Jackson.[4] In 1826, President John Quincy Adams appointed him United States Postmaster in Nashville.[2][4]

In 1827, he described David Crockett as, "not only illiterate, but he is rough & uncouth, talks much & loudly, and is by far, more in his proper place when hunting a Bear" yet also "independent and fearless & has a popularity at home that is unaccountable."[5]

Later, he served as Cashier at the Yeateman, Woods Bank.[2] In 1830, he became Justice of the Peace for two terms.[2] From 1834 to 1835, he served as Mayor of Nashville a second time.[1][3]

He married Frances Lanier Williams (1796-1872), a member of the Lanier family, in 1815.[1][6][7] They had four daughters, Ellen, Mary Caroline, Rebecca and Amelia.[1] In his last years, he was paralyzed.[2] In 1831, he bought the "Buena Vista" mansion.[2]

He died on August 27, 1857, and he is buried in the Nashville City Cemetery.[1] After his death, his widow sold them "Buena Vista" mansion to the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia.[2]