Eleazer Alvin Eaton

1848 - 1925

Born: 09 September, 1848 Marysville, Clarion Co, PA

Parents John M.& Nancy (Benn) Eaton

Military: 50th Regiment, ILL Infantry 1863

Married: 01 June 1879 Sarah Jane Christy

Died: 10 July 1925 Arkansas City, Kansas

Buried: Mercer Cemetery

Seated: Eleazer, Arel, and Sarah; standing: Linna and Fred

Eleazer Alvin Eaton enlisted in the service on 16 November 1863 at Quincy Illinois for a period of three years. His residence was shown as Kinderhook town, Pike County IL. Records obtained from the National Archives include one designated as "Indiviual Muster-in Roll of the 50th Reg't, Illinois Inf; roll dated Dec 17 1863 which shows the Muster-in date as Nov 16 1863." Eleazar A. Eaton is shown as age 18 years. Another document is identified as a "Muster and Descriptive Roll of a Detachment of U. S. Vols. forwarded" for the 50 Reg't Illinois Infantry. Roll dated Springfield IL Dec 4 1863. Where born - Penna; age 18 y'rs - occupation - Farmer; eyes - hazel; hair - brown; complexion - fair; height - 5 ft 3 1/2 in. Another Company Muster Roll document for Nov & Dec 1864 shows that Eleazar A. Eaton, Pvt, Co. D, 50 Reg't Illinois Infantry, is "absent." "Remarks: sick, sent to Nashville Tenn. He was shown as absent January through April 1865. It does appear his location may have changed from Nashville to another (indecipherable) location.

The muster roll for May and June 1865 shows him as present.

Thanks to Tommye Eaton Stewart, a granddaughter-in-law of Eleazer Eaton, we also have a copy of the discharge document given Eleazer Eaton. It states he was "discharged" from the service of the United States the 13th day of July 1865 at Louisville KY by reason of expiration of time of service. "Given at Louisville KY this 13th day of July 1865." (Signatures are illegible) Tommye Stewart also provided a photocopy of Eleazer Eaton in Civil War uniform. A note on the photocopy says, "from the back of original picture: Taken when only 17 years of age - 1865. Eleazer A. Eaton"

It seems Eleazer was known to his family and townsfolk as "Charley," which is rather strange since he had a brother named Charles. His brother's, Grafton Eaton's, family knew him as "Uncle Ide."

Eleazer and Sarah Jane (Christy) Eaton had three children: Linna, Frederick Alvin, and Arel Opal Eaton. Family group sheets for them are attached. Information about the Christy family has been published in a Lincoln County (OK) history.

The 1900 Cowley Co Kansas Federal census lists this household on page 58B, Ward 4, 302 N. 6th St., Arkansas City, enumeration date 13 Jun 1900.

(Census showed three children born and three living.) Note: this census showed Jane born in Wisconsin, and also Missouri. Her obituary says she was born in Iowa.

"Pioneer Resident of Arkansas City Dies"

From the Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, July 10, 1925:

E. A. Eaton, better known as ""Charley"" Eaton, for nearly a half century resident of this city died in Mercy Hospital at 2:30 this afternoon. He had been ill for several months. A few days ago he submitted to an operation. The widow, one son Fred A. Eaton, formerly deputy sheriff of Cowley County, and one daughter, Mrs. Lennie George, survives. Oldyrod's will be in charge of the funeral."

"Eaton Funeral to be Held Monday"

From the Arkansas City Daily Traveler of Saturday, July 11, 1925:

"Funeral services for E. A. Eaton, whose death occurred late yesterday, will be held at the family residence, 302 North 6th Street, at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. Rev. C. D. Walker will officiate. Burial will be in Mercer cemetery west of the city. Mr. Eaton was 77 years of age. He was born in Merrysville, PA. He was a veteran of the Civil War. His residence here dates back to the early 70's. The wife and three children survive. The children are Mrs. Lennie George and F. A. Eaton of this city, and Mrs. Opal Vickerman of Grainola, Oklahoma. Members of the local post, GAR, will attend the funeral in a body. Oldyrods are in charge of the arrangements."

"Long Time Resident of Community Dies"

From the Arkansas City Daily Traveler of Monday, July 31, 1944:

Mrs. Sarah Jane Eaton, 86, widow of Eleazar A. (Charlie) Eaton, died at 5:45 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the home of her son, Fred Eaton, 314 North 4th Street. Mrs. Eaton was born in Iowa and had made her home in Arkansas City for the past 55 years. She had lived in the home of her son for the past six years. Surviving relatives are two daughters, Mrs. Linnie Saunier of Enid and Mrs. Opal Vickerman of Arkansas City; a son Fred Eaton of this city; a brother Frank Christy of Warwick, Oklahoma, five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at Oldyrod's chapel with the Rev. Edwin Gl Michael officiating. Interment wil be in Hope Cemetery."

There seems to be some confusion about Eleazer Eaton's date of birth. The family Bible and information received from his descendants show it as 9 September 1848. The 1900 census has Sep 1847, and his obituary states he died at age 77, which would mean he was born in 1847.

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