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| (Contributed by Willard Patton Primary School) David Willard Patton was not an educator, but a successful businessman who resided many years ago at the top of Augusta Street Hill in a wooden house. There were several brothers of the Patton family, a few of whom it was said migrated to San Salvador, New York, Black Point, and Exuma respectively. "Dave" as he was known to everyone, however, remained in New Providence where he skillfully constructed the first 'buggy' now known as the horse-and-carriage. He later became the proud owner of a livery stable. The stable was first situated in the area of Vendue House (the old Bahamas Electrical Corporation building on Bay Street). Later it was relocated to Augusta Street. These carriages became the popular means of transportation especially for weddings, funerals and royal visits when Mr. Patton would creatively drape them according to the occasion. For funerals, the carriages would be draped in black with black netting over the horses' faces. For weddings, there would be brighter colours, and for Royal occasions, red, white and blue. Mr. David Willard Patton was the owner of vast acres of land in the Oakes Field area. He employed many workers of the Bain Town community to farm that land. He also grew a variety of fruits and vegetables on the property near his home. It is said that the "Market Women" came daily to purchase these produce for their stalls. |
He was a close friend of James Carmichael Smyth, the black African warrior of he 1880s and 1890s. James Carmichael Smyth was the Representative for the House of Assembly for the Western District of New Providence. It was Patton, Smith and Stephen Dillet who were responsible for the purchasing of the Freeman newspaper in 1886. This was the first newspaper operated by black in The Bahamas. These three could also be called the voices of the dissent in the 1800s. They were not afraid to speak against what was happening in the society at that time. It is also said that Patton was a "Local Community Bank" in that he loaned money to people in the area who were financially oppressed. Mr. Patton who was an outstanding member of Wesley Methodist Church, was married twice and was the father of three children, Albert, Agnes and Kate. There were no children by the second marriage and his second wife, Mr. Mary Mason survived him. After returning home from a lodge meeting, Willard died suddenly at the age of about seventy-five (75) from what was believed to be a heart attack. He may be remembered as one of the most influential man of his time. His contribution to The Bahamas was recognized when a primary school was named in his honour. |