James A. Patten

James A. Patten (1852–1928) was an American commodities speculator, financier, and politician.

The mayor of Evanston from 1901 to 1905, Patten is best remembered as a leading financier of the Gilded Age.

James A. Patten was born at Freeland Corners, Illinois He attended the common schools and was early a clerk, a farmer, and an employee in the Illinois State department of grain inspection (1874–78), whence he learned the details and operation of the grain commission business.

He also operated his business in Liverpool where in 1911 on a trip to the Manchester Exchange his appearance caused a riot.

The architect of the gym was George Maher who had designed Patten's house in Evanston.