Charles L. Eaton, who died at his home on West University street, the 9th inst., was one of our oldest and much respected townsmen, there being only a very few men whose lives have been associated with the activities of the town as long as had his. He had been in poor health for a few years and since the beginning of winter has been confined to his bed, awaiting his change. He was not particularly worse till a minute or two before the end came.
Mr. Eaton was the son of Steadman and Fannie Hall Eaton and was born in Little Genesee, N. Y., May 24, 1837. When a lad his family moved to Independence and from there to a farm north of Alfred.
January, 1864, he enlisted from the town of Andover in the 16th Regiment, Co. M, Heavy Artillery. He served till the close of the war, using his mechanical knowledge and skill throughout his service. He was discharged August, 1865.
December 31, 1867, he married Miss Eliza Spaulding, who has been his faithful helpmeet all these years. About this time they moved to Alfred and he established himself In the blacksmith business, which he successfully followed till failing health forced him to retire. The latter part of his life, in addition to his blacksmithing he dealt in farm implements and through his fairness, honesty, and leniency he won the title of "The Farmer's Friend."
He was baptized and joined the First Seventh Day Baptist Church of Alfred, March 4, 1882, and of this church he remained a member till his death.
Besides his faithful wife, Mr. Eaton is survived by four children, Mrs. C. V. Gorton of Belmont, L. E. Eaton of New York City, Mrs. F. D. Bennett of Hornell, and Mrs. J. K. Doane of Buffalo, two sisters, Olive Nobles of Iowa and Mrs. Amanda Curtis of Belmont and a large circle of friends.
Funeral services, conducted by Pastor William L. Burdick. were held at the house Thursday afternoon, March 12th and burial took place in Alfred Rural Cemetery.
