Frank Hatton was born on April 28, 1846 in Cambridge, Ohio, United States. His father was Richard Hatton of Fairfax County, Virginia; his mother, Sarah Green, the daughter of a Methodist minister, of Tyler County, Virginia (now West Virginia). His grandparents had participated in the rush of settlers to the old Northwest and his father had become a frontier newspaper man, ultimately settling down as owner and editor of the Republican at Cadiz, Ohio.
Hatton received little formal school instruction but was educated by his mother at home, and in his father's printery.
Hatton began to work in the printing office at eleven and served in every capacity from devil to local editor, learning the trade thoroughly. Early in the Civil War, he ran away and joined an Ohio infantry company as drummer boy. In 1864 he was commissioned first lieutenant in the 184th Ohio Volunteers and served in the Army of the Cumberland until mustered out.
In 1866 the family moved to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where the elder Hatton purchased the Journal, publishing it with the assistance of his son until his death in 1869. Frank Hatton and his brother-in-law then operated the plant for five years.
In 1874, Hatton acquired the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, a hardy pioneer journal, and moved to Burlington, where Robert J. Burdette, the humorist, was his editorial associate. The Hawk-Eye, under Hatton's vigorous direction, developed into one of the most influential Republican organs in the Mississippi Valley and brought its owner into national prominence. He became local postmaster in 1879. His most spectacular stroke as a journalist was persuading General Grant to spend three days in Burlington upon returning from his world tour, the visit advertising both city and aggressive editor widely. In the stormy campaign of 1880, Hatton gave Garfield ardent support, which brought political reward.
On the recommendation of Grant, Conkling, and the Republican organization of Iowa, he was named assistant postmaster general by President Arthur in October 1881. He was appointed postmaster general in October 1884, on Walter Gresham's resignation, and held this stop-gap appointment until Cleveland's inauguration, thus becoming the youngest cabinet member since Alexander Hamilton's day.
His wife and he moved freely in Washington society during his official life; and, radiating geniality, his portly figure was a familiar one at the innumerable functions of the season, which he heartily enjoyed. Craving the smell of printer's ink, he had written extensively for the National Republican of Washington even while holding office. He moved to Chicago in July 1885 and there assisted in reorganizing the Mail, which he edited until 1888. He then joined Robert Porter in founding the New York Press and, in 1889, in partnership with former Congressman Beriah Wilkins (Democrat), he purchased the Washington Post, which he edited as an independent paper. On two occasions he brought out extras with the sole aid of the janitor. He developed a large personal following in these last years, and this, combined with an active club life, brought him marked social prominence.
He suffered a stroke of paralysis at his desk on April 24, 1894, and died six days later.
Although a strong party man, Hatton launched savage attacks against civil-service reform and his editorials were reprinted the country over.
An inveterate foe of the civil-service regime, he at this time bitterly fought the reforming Roosevelt.
Hatton was an exacting employer, but was always keenly appreciative of work well done and himself set a high standard.
In 1867 Hatton married Lizzie Snyder of Iowa, who bore him one son.
