Background
Eaton, John Henry was born on June 18, 1790 in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. Son of John and Elizabeth Eaton.
Diplomat lawyer politician senator
Eaton, John Henry was born on June 18, 1790 in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. Son of John and Elizabeth Eaton.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He was 28 years old when he took office, making him the second-youngest United States. Senator in history after Armistead Thomson Mason. In 1818 he was elected Senator from Tennessee and served until 1829. His age of 28 at the time of his entry to the Senate was notable.
lieutenant contradicted the United States Constitution"s requirement that all Senators be over the age of 30.
Jackson detractors called them his "Kitchen Cabinet". (Apparently this group did, in fact, frequently meet in the White House kitchen)
Eaton resigned his Senate seat in 1829 due to a social scandal and took up appointment as Jackson"s Secretary of War, serving from 1829 to 1831.
The disruption penetrated the Cabinet as wives became involved on opposite sides of the issue. Jackson was furious to have his friend"s wife scorned.
After being persuaded by then Secretary of State Martin Van Buren, Eaton resigned as Secretary of War on June 18, 1831.
He later served as Governor of Florida Territory from 1834 to 1836, and as ambassador to Spain from 1836 to 1840. Eaton, a Freemason, died in Washington, District of Columbia on November 17, 1856. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia
Eaton County, Michigan, is named in his honor.
Eaton was a lawyer and member of the Democratic Party. He served in the United States. Army during the War of 1812 and was a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1815 to 1816. After Jackson became President, Eaton and Postmaster General Amos Kendall were members of Jackson"s Cabinet, as well as part of his informal circle of advisors.
The controversy, known as the Petticoat affair, indirectly contributed to the political rise of Martin Van Buren, a member of Jackson"s cabinet who supported the Eatons.
Married Myra Lewis; married second, Peggy O’Neill.