Biographical Sketch of

Henry Hubbard Eaton

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 404 - 405

Henry Hubbard Eaton, who resides in section 11, St. Marie Township, Green Lake County, is 
one of the largest land owners in this community, yet he has made his own way in the world 
and has earned his livelihood since six years of age. To him all honor is due. Few could 
have contended with such difficulties and trials as he has undergone and arrive at the 
position of affluence which he now occupies. His success is due to his industry, economy, 
perseverance and natural ability, combined with fair and honest dealing in every transaction.

Mr. Eaton was born in Erie County, N. Y. May 14, 1833, and on the paternal side is of Scotch 
descent. His father, Hamilton Eaton, was also a native of the Empire State and married Ruth 
Spooner, who was born in Massachusetts. He made farming his life occupation and was thus 
engaged at the time of his death, which occurred about the year 1844. Five children were 
left to share the loss of a widowed mother, as follows: Henry of this sketch; Mary J., who 
has since died; Albert, who offered up his life on the altar of his country during the late 
war; and William and Harvey, who are residents of Iowa. The mother was a second time married, 
becoming the wife of W. Gordon, but has again been left a widow. She makes her home in Iowa 
with her youngest son.

As will have been seen, our subject is the eldest of the family. His father was in very 
limited circumstances and it became necessary that he provide for his own maintenance. He 
was but six years of age when he began life for himself, working on a farm for three years. 
He then returned home on a visit and while there was taken sick. Remaining until the following 
winter, at that time he secured a position where he did chores for his board and attended 
district school. His educational advantages were very limited but he has largely overcome 
the early lack of opportunity by subsequent study and observation. When about ten years of 
age he worked one year for his board and clothing and the folllowing year obtained a position 
at $3 per month, working seven months. He was next employed in cutting underbrush and 
realized good wages from that labor. The following season he received $4.50 per month as a 
compensation for his services and that year ended his life in the East. His father had now 
died and an uncle from Wisconsin coming to New York, took his young nephew home with him to 
Rock County. During the years he resided with that gentleman, he was engaged in driving a 
yoke of oxen used in breaking prairie, receiving $13 per month and until 1851 continued that 
labor. He then returned to the Empire State, where for two years he worked as a farm hand, 
until the fall of 1853, when he started for California. He was then but twenty years of age, 
but his early hardships had developed a self-reliance and manliness not usually found in one 
much his senior. The discovery of gold on the Pacific slope attracted him and he determined 
to there try his fortune.

The journey to California was made in safety by Mr. Eaton, but on his arrival he found he 
had but $6 in money. He worked for his passage on a boat and then paid his $6 for 
transportation to Sacramento, whence he walked to the mines, a distance of seventy-five 
miles. Employees were greatly needed and on the night of his arrival he secured a position 
at $3.25 per day but was to pay his own board. That amounted to $8 a week, but before he 
left his first employer he saved $300, which sum he invested in a fourth interest in a claim 
giving his note for the remaining $300. The owners of the land worked the mine until they 
struck what was called rim rock, which had to be blasted through. Every man was assesssed so 
much each week to pay the necessary expense, but before the blasting was completed the 
expenses became so great that Mr. Eaton could not pay the amount and had to seek work 
elsewhere. The other parties, however, finally completed the task and made a fortune from 
their investment. Mr. Eaton, on leaving the claim, secured a position at $75 per month and 
board and worked two months, and was taken sick. His resources were again exhausted and he 
had to begin anew. After working at various places, he finally purchased a claim, which he 
operated for nine months, realizing a handsome sum. That was his last year in California. He 
had spent six years in the mines of that state, enduring many hardships, and he now wished to 
return to civilization.

In the autumn of 1859 Mr. Eaton reached Erie County, N. Y., where he spent the winter, coming 
on to Green Lake County in the spring of 1860. He then purchased 120 acres of land in St. 
Marie Township, but the first year rented it to his brother. He then kept bachelor's hall 
through the following winter and himself attended to the cultivation of his land. Eight years 
later he sold out and purchased a tract of seventy acres on which he made his home one summer, 
when he again sold out and bought 120 acres in Brooklyn Township, there making his home until 
1876, at which time he sold and purchased a farm of 120 acres, the same constituting a part of 
his present home. To that he has since added until his landed possessions now aggregate 540 
acres, he having also given eighty acres to his son. The farm on which he resides is one of 
the best in the county; its fields are well-tilled; the dwelling is neat and substantial, the 
stock raised is of the best grades and everything necessary to a model farm is there found. 
Mr. Eaton has ever borne his part in the support of public enterprises, but has never sought 
nor desired public office, preferring to give his entire attention to his home and business 
interests. In political sentiment he is a Republican, having advocated the principles of that 
party since its birth.

The most important event in the life of our subject occurred on the 31st of May, 1863, when 
he was joined in wedlock with Mrs. Emma Baker, widow of Charles Baker. By her former marriage 
she had one son, Charles E., who now resides with Mr. Eaton. Five children grace her second 
union, namely: Ernest, who is residing in St. Marie Township; Cass, Henry E., Gertude and 
Frederick.  The home life of this family is of the most pleasant. Mr. Eaton is devoted to the 
interests of his wife and children, and is ever watchful of their comfort and happiness, 
considering no sacrifice too great if it will but promote the welfare of his loved ones.







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