Jonas Eaton, of Reading

ii.Jonas (IMMIGRANT) Eaton, son of Peter Eaton & Elizabeth, born in Kent, England; died 24 Feb 1673/74 in Reading, Middlesex, MA; married Grace Unknown in Watertown/Reading, Middlesex, MA.

notes

We are placing Jonas in the family of Peter Eaton and Elizabeth ( ) Patterson, although there is no birth or baptism record extant in England for Jonas. Contrary to widespread belief a record of Jonas’ birth in Staple, Kent, England has not been found. Prior to leaving for America Jonas’s brother William surely lived in Staple as four of his children were born and two are buried there.

I believe that his name was JONAS. That is what is in the records for the founders of Reading and he has a son Jonas Jr listed.

Jonas Eaton. Born on 23 Oct 1617 [SIC: that is the birthdate of his brother JOHN] in Staple, Kent. Jonas died in Reading, MA, on 24 Feb 1673; he was 55.

One source says Jonas came over in 1637 as a servant of William Green. Jonas of Watertown, removed to Reading. Jonas lived on the northwest part of Cowdrey’s hill in Reading. He was a freeman in 1653, and a selectman. ca 1642 Jonas married Grace [Eaton]. Grace first married Jonas Eaton, second Henry Silsbee of Lynn.

Their children include:

1. Mary Eaton (Died unmarried) (8 Feb 1643-1732)
2. John Eaton (10 Oct 1645-25 May 1691)
3. Jonas Eaton (Died soon) (28 Sep 1647-14 Oct 1647)
4. Jonas Eaton (24 Sep 1648-)
5. Sarah Eaton (ca 1650-12 Dec 1714)
6. Joseph Eaton (5 Jan 1651-)
7. Joshua Eaton (4 Dec 1653-19 Nov 1717)
8. Lieut. Jonathan Eaton (6 Dec 1655-8 Jul 1743)
9. David Eaton (Died soon) (22 Sep 1657-7 Oct 1657)

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From http://eatonfamiliesassociation.blogspot.com/2011/09/founding-famil...

Jonas Eaton was a brother of William Eaton of Reading.

William was the son of Peter Eaton and Elizabeth Patterson (widow Patterson). I do not have an exact date of birth or baptism for William, but the family lived in Dover, Kent County, England. Peter’s parents (William & Jane) lived in Dover as well.

For a considerable number of years there was no conclusive proof that Jonas was positively the brother of William. It seems that circumstantial evidence would certainly indicate they were brothers. They were on the same ship They both settled in Watertown, and both went to Reading, building homes next to each other. Eaton Families Association DNA testing, in 2006, was conclusive in determining that Jonas and William were "closely related, probably brothers". The same DNA testing indicated that William and Jonas were likely cousins of immigrant John Eaton of Dedham.

There has been no reason concluded as to why Jonas was listed as a servant on the Hercules passenger list.

• http://eatonfamiliesassociation.blogspot.com/2011/09/founding-famil...

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Birth: 1618 - Staple, Kent, England Death: Feb 24 1674 - Reading, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA Parents: William Eaton, Martha Eaton Wife: Grace Eaton (born Freeman) Daughter: Sarah Dodge (born Eaton)