Thomas Hardy Eaton (1817 - 1888)

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Biography

September 15, 1836 to September 15, 1837, Thomas Eaton served as a Ranger for the Republic of Texas. The early Rangers acted as a "rural Sheriff", riding the range;ensuring justice, and protecting settlers from hostile Indians.

1836 - The Texas Congress passed a Law to "Raise a Battalion of Mounted Riflemen"...280 men..."To protect the Frontier."

Thomas H. Eaton is one of the men listed on the historical document as a Private.

Thomas H. Eaton helped establish FORT FISHER in 1837, near the Waco Indian Village.

Seven men and women joined together to organize the Shiloh Baptist Church of Christ. Of the members, Thomas Eaton became the first ordained pastor. Rev. Thomas H. Eaton went on to serve in many churches in Robertson and Leon County, Texas.

From the book, "History of the Waco Baptist Association of Texas":

He was born December 6, 1817, and died January 6, 1888. Early in the "fifties" he was converted and joined Shiloh Baptist church, Robertson county. The change was complete. if he had been active in the service of Satan, ever afterward he was zealous in the service of his new Master, Jesus Christ. On December 9, 1954, by request of Shiloh church, he was set apart to the full work of the gospel ministry. The names of the grand old pioneers, William W. Walker, B. Clark, and William Clark, appear on this credentials as presbytery. To say that Elder Eaton was a great preacher of his day, is to put it mildly. Bro J. J. Dotson, Jewett, Texas, who remember him well, writes: "While he often terribly mutilated 'the king's English,' yet few men possessed greater power in the pulpit. He was verily a preacher to the common people. Eternity alone will reveal the work of this old veteran." In 1858 and 1859 he was missionary of Trinity River Association. A great part of this life was spent in the pastorate, mostly in Robertson county. The churches of Shiloh, Sand Prairie, Bethel (Leon county), Leona, and a number of others, enjoyed seasons of prosperity while under the care oft he faithful Shepherd. In church and association meeting he did no useless talking, but never failed to come boldly to the front with all the power he could command when the Baptist cause was involved. His love for a friend was remarkable. Among those he loved best was the pioneer Baptist, C.L. Dotson. Bro Dotson was buried by the Masonic fraternity. Elder Eaton was present and lead in prayer at the funeral. Many people were there, and it was the universal verdict that here was offered the most powerful prayer ever heard by this audience. A third of a century has passed since that time, and till this day the old people talk of the deep and touching effect of that prayer. Bro. Eaton died as he lived, a faithful minister of the cross. he had faith in God's word, and God blessed his ministry. His work is done. Beloved brother, farewell. Walk in peace the golden streets. Year by year will the coming ages harvest the fruits of thy seed-sowing. Beloved brother, farewell!"

Sources

• Website: [1]