Background
John Patton Erwin was born on January 8, 1795 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. His father was Colonel Andrew Patton Erwin, a land speculator, and his mother, Jane Patton.
John Patton Erwin was born on January 8, 1795 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. His father was Colonel Andrew Patton Erwin, a land speculator, and his mother, Jane Patton.
He served as the Mayor of Nashville, Tennessee from 1821 to 1822, and from 1834 to 1835. He had nine siblings. His brothers-in-law included John Williams, United States. Senator from Tennessee, Lewis Williams, a United States. Representative from North Carolina, and Thomas Lanier Williams, Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
In 1817, he became an alderman in Nashville and in 1820 he was admitted to the Barometer
He served as Mayor of Nashville from 1821 to 1822. He also served as Principal Clerk of the Tennessee House of Representatives as well as editor of the Nashville Whig.
He was opposed to Andrew Jackson. In 1826, President John Quincy Adams appointed him United States Postmaster in Nashville.
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."
Later, he served as Cashier at the Yeateman, Woods Bank.
In 1830, he became Justice of the Peace for two terms. From 1834 to 1835, he served as Mayor of Nashville a second time. He died on August 27, 1857, and he is buried in the Nashville City Cemetery.
After his death, his widow sold them "Buena Vista" mansion to the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia.