Caledonia

EATON, Ebenezer

Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, October 1867, pp 318-319

Ebenezer EATON was a prominent and highly respected citizen; prominently 
known, not only in his own vicinity, but throughout the state, as the founder 
and for many years the editor of the "North Star." He was then about thirty 
years of age. The town [Danville, Caledonia County, Vermont], prior to that 
period, had been established as the county seat, and the village had 
commenced to grow rapidly. Previous to this time also, a newspaper had been 
established at Peacham [Caledonia County], and we believe was still being 
published at the time it was determined to establish the "Star" at Danville. 
The paper at Peacham, however, was soon after discontinued. At a meeting of 
several leading citizens of Danville the name to be given the new paper was 
fully canvassed, and after various names had been suggested, Mr. Aaron PORTER 
finally proposed that "The North Star" be the title, a suggestion unanimously 
adopted.

The first number of the "Star" was issued the first week in January 1807. It 
was a small-sized sheet, but well filled with political and miscellaneous 
reading. Its politics were clearly defined as Republican, in opposition to 
the then styled "Federal" party. For more than thirty years Mr. [Ebenezer] 
EATON was the principal editor of the "Star," and during this period his 
writing and the selections for his paper exerted a marked influence upon the 
public mind. During part of the time the paper had a very large circulation, 
probably larger than any other political journal in the State. In several of 
the party contests of that day, it had also a wide and commanding influence. 
As a political writer Mr. EATON was frank, fearless, and honest in the 
expression of his opinions. In short, he was a good editor, and continued 
actively in that capacity until 1841, when his son, N. H. EATON, became the 
principal editor and proprietor of the "Star," which is still published by 
him at Danville. Up to the close of Mr. EATON's life, however, he was 
associated with his son as nominal editor of the "Star."

Personally, no man was more highly respected, yea, beloved, by all classes, 
than Ebenezer EATON. Though not rich in this world's goods, yet he was rich 
in the honor and regard extended to him by fellow townsmen, and all who knew 
him by personal acquaintance. He was kind, social, generous, and ever 
compassionate to the sick and afflicted. As early as 1818 Mr. EATON became a 
member of the Congregational Church, and from that time until the hour of his 
death, ever exemplified the character of a sincere, devoted, liberal-minded 
Christian. He manifested this character in all the daily walks of life, and 
especially during he eighteen years prior to his death, when released from 
the cares and perplexities of active business, his Christian light shone 
prominent. It had a marked and salutary effect on those around him. Every 
one loved and honored "Father EATON." He retained his physical and mental 
faculties until within about two months prior to his decease. He [Ebenezer 
EATON] died, calm and happy, at his residence in Danville [Caledonia County, 
Vermont] 31 January 1859, at the ripe age of eighty-two years.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly