For more than twenty years, Reuben Bartlett Eaton has been associated with the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company of Peace Dale, Rhode Island. In that time he has risen from minor positions to those of great responsibility and trust, serving now as superintendent of the company.
Mr. Eaton was born at Peace Dale, on January 29, 1891, a son of George S. Eaton, who was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and was employed by the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company until his death, and of Lydia A. (Northup) Eaton, who was also born at South Kingstown. She is still living.
Reuben Bartlett Eaton, of this record, received his educational training in Rhode Island public schools, being graduated from the South Kingstown High School. Beginning the business of life, he entered the employ of the Peace Dale Manufacturing Company in 1905. Mr. Eaton has since continued his connection with this company. Working in various departments of the mill, he learned the business thoroughly from the ground up, winning merited advancement for his services when his superiors saw that he was able and industrious and that he was trying hard to succeed. He discharged all the duties which came to him with complete efficiency, and in the more responsible positions to which he rose, his work proved to be of real value to the company. In 1918 Mr. Eaton was appointed assistant superintendent of the company, and in 1924 he was chosen superintendent, occupying this office with every success until the present time.
Mr. Eaton is well known in the life of this community, not only as an able business man, but also for his activities in other fields. He is affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of Hope Lodge, No. 25, and of Unity Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. Mr. Eaton is Past Master of his lodge, and a member of the Square and Compass Club. He is also a member of the Hope Club. In politics he has always been an independent voter, being guided in casting his ballot by what he considers the best interests of community, State and Nation, rather than blindly following party allegiance. He has never neglected his civic duties, however, and for a year served on the South Kingstown Town Council. Mr. Eaton is a member and chairman of the committee of Peace Dale Troop No. 1, Boy Scouts of America. He is fond of hiking, hunting, fishing, and the outdoor life in general, and he is interested in helping the youth of the community learn through the Boy Scout movement the fine ideals of thought and conduct which the outdoor life always teaches. During the period of the World War, Mr. Eaton served in Rhode Island State Guard Troop, No. 2, with the rank of sergeant.
In 1912, Reuben Bartlett Eaton married Sarah Curtis, who was born at South Kingstown, Rhode Island. They are the parents of several children:
- Harriet R.
- Reuben Bartlett, Jr.
- Curtis A.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.