Daniel Burton Patterson was born on July 7, 1870, in Wayne County, Tennessee, to Neal P. Patterson and Mary Ann Dodd. He was the second born among his siblings: John David, Elige A., Will Andrew, James Bennett, Malcolm Neal, Eddy C., Wallis Aaron, and Charles Wilson, along with his sister Mary Catherine Patterson.

Growing up in Wayne County, Tennessee, Daniel was raised in an agrarian household, his parents being farmers who owned their land. Despite not attending formal schooling, he acquired the ability to read and write while working on the family farm.

On September 14, 1914, at the age of 44, Daniel married Nannie Belle Gilchrist, forming a union that lasted throughout their lives. Together, they owned and operated a farm in Piney Grove, Tennessee, where they raised their three daughters: Emma Lucille (born 1916), Mary Irene (born 1920), and Ona Inez (born 1923).

The Patterson family lived a simple life, as evidenced by their absence of radio ownership according to the 1930 census. Daniel's dedication to farming was a central aspect of his life, and he was known for his commitment to his work.

Tragically, both Emma and Ona succumbed to tuberculosis, with Ona passing away in 1940 and Emma following in 1949. Their untimely deaths, along with the loss of Ona's infant son, James Owen Sandusky, in 1941, cast a shadow over the Patterson family, leaving behind profound sorrow and unfulfilled dreams.

Daniel Burton Patterson passed away on March 8, 1953, at the age of 82, after an illness lasting eight weeks. His funeral service was held on March 9 at the Free Will Baptist Church, with Reverend J. B. Harper officiating. He was laid to rest in Piney Grove Cemetery, Wayne County, Tennessee.

At the time of his passing, Daniel was survived by his wife, Nannie Belle Patterson, his daughter Mary Morris of Flint, Michigan, and six grandchildren. He left behind a legacy of hard work, family values, and a deep connection to his community, having spent his life tending to the land and the family he loved dearly.