Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Vol. 3. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 254. E. COOKE PATTON In mercantile affairs of Salem, E. Cooke Patton has long been a factor of importance and his skill in performing feats of legerdemain has won for him state-wide prominence. He was born August 12, 1869, in this city and represents families whose names are inseparably associated with the history of its founding and upbuilding. His parents were Thomas McFadden and Frances (Cooke) Patton, the former born in Carrollton, Ohio, and the latter in Fremont, that state. His mother was a daughter of Edwin N. and Eliza. (Vandercook) Cooke, who started for Oregon in 1851, traveling in a covered wagon drawn by oxen. They were early settlers of Marion county and their donation land claim was later known as Cooke's addition to North Salem. Edwin N. Cooke was the first state treasurer of Oregon and one of the owners of the business of the People's Transportation Company, which operated the "Fanny Patton" and the "E. N. Cooke," early steamers navigating on the Willamette river. Later Mr. Cooke became a merchant, forming a partnership with George H. Jones, and their business was situated on the corner now occupied by the Ladd & Bush Bank, of Salem. Thomas McFadden Patton journeyed to the Pacific northwest in company with the Cooke family and was married in Salem. He earned a livelihood by working as a clerk for various merchants and during that time studied law. He was one of the first attorneys in Salem and served in the early sessions of the Oregon legislature. It was owing to his influence that Salem was made the state capital, and the corner-stone of the state house was laid by Mr. Patton, who used a silver trowel which is among the treasured possessions of his son, E. Cooke Patton. For some time the father was United States appraiser at Portland, Oregon, and later was appointed United States consul to Japan. He was a man of high principles and acquitted himself with dignity, fidelity and honor in every office to which he was called. In 1886 he became the proprietor of a book store and continued the business until his death in 1892. E. Cooke Patton attended the public schools of Salem and at the age of seventeen entered his father's store, which he has since conducted in association with his brother, Hal D. Patton. It is located at No. 340 State street, in a building owned by the father, and ranks with the oldest mercantile establishments of the city, having a record of forty-two years of continuous service. Realizing that satisfied customers constitute the best advertisement, the members of the firm are always prepared to supply the needs of patrons and their trade has assumed large proportions. For three years E. Cooke Patton was manager of Reed's Opera House and secured for Salem the best class of theatrical attractions ever brought to the city. In 1893 E. C. Patton married Miss Leah Orsella Guiss, of Woodburn, Oregon, who passed away May 21, 1927. She had become the mother of a daughter, Luella May, who is Mrs. Ellis Carl Chailton, of Salem, and has a son, Robert Carl. Mr. Patton is generally considered the best prestidigitator in Oregon and his talent is in constant demand for both private and public entertainments. He belongs to the Society of International Brotherhood of Magicians and his fraternal affiliations are with the Woodmen of the World, the United Artisans and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Hal D. Patton was born January 12, 1872, in Salem and obtained his education in the Bishop Scott Academy. He is a business man of high standing and his public spirit has been demonstrated by service in the state legislature. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2016 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.