Henry Smith Van Eaton facts for kids
Henry Smith Van Eaton (born September 14, 1826 – died May 30, 1898) was an American lawyer, politician, and soldier. He became a captain in the Confederate Army. Later, he was chosen to represent Mississippi in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1883 to 1887.
Early Life and Education
Henry Van Eaton was born and grew up in Anderson Township, Ohio. In 1848, he finished his studies at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. There, he focused on learning about law. During his time at college, he also helped start a group called the Phi Alpha Literary Society. He was an active member and even served as its president.
In 1848, when he was 22 years old, Van Eaton moved to Woodville, Mississippi. He worked there as a teacher for a while. By 1855, he had passed his exams and officially became a lawyer. He started practicing law in Woodville, which is in Wilkinson County.
Public Service and Military Career
In 1857, Henry Van Eaton was elected as a district attorney. This meant he was a lawyer who worked for the government to prosecute crimes. Two years later, in 1859, he served in Mississippi's state government as a member of the State House of Representatives.
When the American Civil War began, he joined the Confederate States Army. He served throughout the war and rose to the rank of captain. After the war ended in 1865, he returned to Woodville and continued his work as a lawyer.
In 1880, he was appointed as a judge in Mississippi, serving as a chancellor for the tenth district.
Serving in Congress
In 1882, Henry Van Eaton was elected to the United States Congress as a member of the Democratic Party. He served two terms in Congress, from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1887.
After his time in Congress, President Grover Cleveland appointed Van Eaton to the Board of Visitors for the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1887. The next year, in 1888, he was part of a group that looked at a new section of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Henry Van Eaton then returned to Mississippi and continued his law practice. He passed away in Woodville on May 30, 1898. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery.
