Thomas Eaton (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brigadier General
Thomas Eaton
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|---|---|
| Born | 1739 North Carolina |
| Died | June 1809 (aged 69–70) Eaton's Ferry, Warren County, North Carolina |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Great Britain Continental Congress United States of America |
| Service/ |
North Carolina state militia |
| Years of service | 1771, 1776–1781 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General (Pro Tempore) |
| Commands held | Bute County Regiment (1776-1779) Warren County Regiment (1779-1783) Halifax District Brigade (1779, 1781) |
| Battles/wars | |
| Spouse(s) | Anna Bland Anne Stith Elizabeth Jones |
Thomas Eaton (born around 1739 – died June 1809) was an important military leader in the North Carolina militia. He served during two major conflicts: the War of the Regulation in 1771 and the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1784.
Besides his military roles, Eaton was also active in politics. He was a member of the North Carolina Provincial Congress, which was like an early government for the state. He also served in the North Carolina House of Commons and the North Carolina Council of State. This council helped the state's Governor, including Richard Caswell. Thomas Eaton led soldiers in key battles like the Battle of Brier Creek and the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.
Early Life and the War of the Regulation
Thomas Eaton was born to William Eaton and Mary Rives. His parents had moved to North Carolina from Prince George County, Virginia. Thomas Eaton married three times. His first wife was Anna Bland, whom he married in 1761. They had one daughter named Anna in 1763.
After buying land in Bute County, North Carolina, Eaton became a representative for that county. He served in the colonial North Carolina Assembly from 1769 to 1771. In 1771, Governor William Tryon made Eaton a colonel in the Bute County militia. This was during the War of the Regulation. This conflict involved farmers in the piedmont region of North Carolina who were upset with the government. The militia supported the governor against this uprising.
From 1775 to 1776, Eaton represented Bute County in the Provincial Council. This group later became known as the Council of Safety. This council held the main power in North Carolina before the state elected its first governor after the start of the American Revolution. Thomas Eaton even served as the temporary leader, or President pro tempore, of the Council of Safety.
Starting in 1775, Eaton was also a delegate to several North Carolina Provincial Congresses. These were important meetings where leaders made decisions for the state. Even though he wasn't a delegate at the Fourth Provincial Congress, that group still appointed him as a colonel in the state's militia.
American Revolutionary War Service
Thomas Eaton played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Here's a look at his service:
- He was part of the Halifax District Brigade of militia from 1779 to 1781.
- He served as a Colonel, leading both the Bute County Regiment and the Warren County Regiment of militia.
- In November 1779, he was promoted to Brigadier General temporarily. This was to replace Allen Jones, who was away.
- He was promoted to Brigadier General again temporarily in early 1781.
- After these temporary roles, he returned to being a Colonel for the Warren County Regiment of Militia.
- He was involved in the Battle of Guilford Court House.
After becoming a colonel in 1776, Eaton was chosen for the North Carolina Council of State. This was a group that helped the governor manage the state's affairs. Eaton served under Richard Caswell, who was the first and fifth governor after the Revolution. Eaton was re-elected to the Council in 1779 and 1784.
Between his terms on the council, Eaton served with the militia in the southern part of the war. He fought against the British Army and their local supporters, called Loyalists. While he had military duties, he was mainly a politician. He had less military experience than many other leaders.
On March 3, 1779, Eaton commanded a militia regiment at the Battle of Brier Creek in Georgia. The American forces, known as Patriots, were defeated in this battle and had to retreat.
On March 15, 1781, Eaton led the Halifax District Brigade of the North Carolina militia at the Battle of Guilford Court House. His brigade was positioned next to the Hillsborough District Brigade, led by Brigadier General John Butler. The main commander, General Nathanael Greene, thought the 1,000 North Carolina militiamen under Butler and Eaton were his least reliable troops. Both Eaton and Butler tried to stop their men from leaving the battle early. However, they couldn't prevent many North Carolina militia members from running away.
Later Life and Death
After his first wife Anna passed away in 1781, Thomas Eaton married his second wife, Anne Stith. They had two sons together. Later, Eaton married for a third time to Elizabeth Jones. She was a cousin of Continental Congress delegates Willie and Allen Jones.
Thomas Eaton died in June 1809. His large landholdings in Bute County became part of Warren County after Bute County was divided in 1779.
