Francis Lester Patton

Professor of Economics (1920-51)

09/18/1963

Francis Lester Patton, who had been a member of this faculty for three decades, died in Columbus, Ohio, on March 23, 1963. Born in Columbus on July 27, 1891, he took a bachelor of arts degree at Ohio State University in 1913. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship from the State of Ohio and thereupon studied at Pembroke College of Oxford University from 1913 to 1916. On his return to the United States, he taught economics first at the University of Cincinnati and then at New York University. His teaching was temporarily interrupted in 1918 while he served as a second lieutenant in the United States Coast Artillery.

His career at Hamilton College began in the autumn of 1920 and for the following two decades he was the sole representative of the field of economics on this faculty. He attained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Columbia University in 1926 on the presentation of a thesis entitled Diminishing Returns in Agriculture. He became the first occupant of the chair of Leavenworth Professor of Economics in 1936 and held that post until illness led him to resign in 1951. During his sabbatical leave in 1931-32 he married Elizabeth Keeler, who survives him along with their three sons.

Professor Patton’s teaching was fortified by an abundance of factual data; his memory clung to details with an endearing tenacity. Perhaps sometimes the significance of an economic development got lost in a maze of particulars; yet in meandering through that maze, Professor Patton seemed to find an exit. We presume that in the mid-twentieth century, he might be called a conservative economist, adhering to the classical tradition. He spoke with some frequency to local economic groups normally from a conservative point of view. His view of life was focused by strong religious convictions. He regularly attended the meetings of the Torch Club in Utica; he played a skillful game of bridge; he enjoyed tramping over the country-side; and gardened with enthusiasm. In these diversions, Francis Patton was ever an amiable companion.

The motion was seconded and carried by a rising vote.