Joseph Pierce Eaton, Sr. (1812-1892)

EATON, BROWN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/4/2009 at 21:51:01

Maquoketa Excelsior, September 9, 1892.

Joseph Pierce Eaton, Sr.

J. P. Eaton died very suddenly at his home on Main Street, this city, last Friday evening, September 2, 1892. He was seated at the supper table, with his family about him, when the summons came. Paralysis of the heart was the fatal malady and he spoke never a word after he was stricken. For a few days before his death he had been complaining of not feeling well, but he kept about and on Friday, the day he died, he felt much better and was in his usual cheerful frame of mind.

He was born in Windham county, Conn., June 12, 1812, being a little over four score years of age. Sept. 9, 1850, forty-two years ago today, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha C. Brown, who survives him. In 1855 he came to this place and engaged in railroad construction. He assisted in building the Iowa Central, Dubuque & Southwestern, Davenport & St. Paul and Iowa Midland roads. He has long been regarded as one of the best posted men in the state on railroad matters. In politics he was a staunch, earnest Republican and he served this county faithfully and ably in the General Assembly during two sessions. He also served this school district several years as a director, and his ward many years as a member of the city council. He was never found recreant to any trust reposed in him by his party, friends or neighbors. His history is the history of Maquoketa. He was always interested in every good work and never too busy to aid it with his counsel, and always sufficiently generous and public spirited to give all the material aid his means would allow.

Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, five died in infancy. The other five, Joseph, William, Sybil, Martha and Franc, survive to mourn the loss of a fond, affectionate parent, and all were present at the funeral. Funeral services were held at the house at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. They were conducted by Rev. J. G. Van Ness, of the M. E. Church, and were largely attended. The city council and other city officials, as a mark of respect to deceased and as evidence of the high esteem in which he is held by those who knew him best, attended the services in a body.

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