Career
In early 1777 he enlisted from Reading"s 3rd Parish into the 8th Massachusetts Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks standing in for Colonel Michael Jackson who was recovering from an old right leg wound.
His company was led by Captain
James Bancroft, also of Reading. Eaton died on October 7, 1777, during the Second Battle of Freeman"s Farm in the days immediately preceding the Battle of Saratoga, near present-day Schuylerville, New New York
These battles were fought against British forces led by General John Burgoyne. The Battle of Saratoga was a major victory for American troops, and a turning point in the American Revolution.
Near Eaton"s homestead is now located Joshua Eaton Elementary School, one of five elementary schools in the town of Reading.