Abner Edwin Patton

Abner Edwin Patton (September 14, 1835 – July 13, 1863) was a founder and the first president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was born in Knoxville, Alabama. On October 4, 1854, he entered the University of Alabama. While there he was a founding member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon which became the largest fraternity by initiates in the world. He graduated in 1857.

After school Abner entered the Confederate Army as a private with the 11th Alabama Infantry in the Army of Virginia, where he was made adjutant of the regiment. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Gaines's Mill, on July 13, 1863. He died in a Hospital in Richmond, Virginia and was buried in Hollywood Cemetery in that city.[1]