John Patton Erwin was born on January 8, 1795, in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
[1][3] He also served as Principal Clerk of the Tennessee House of Representatives as well as editor of the Nashville Whig.
[4] In 1826, President John Quincy Adams appointed him United States Postmaster in Nashville.
[2][4] 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.
[1] After his death, his widow sold them "Buena Vista" mansion to the Dominican Sisters of St.