Robert D. Eaton, Norwich Pharmacal Chairman of the Board

Robert Dennison Eaton

Norwich Percolate, January 15, 1935

Robert D. Eaton

October 2, 1854 - August 6, 1933

Mr. Eaton became interested in The Norwich Pharmacal Company about 1890.  In subsequent years his business acumen played an important part in the development of the company.  He was elected a director in 1901 and in 1921 became Chairman of the Board.

Obituary

Norwich Sun, August 7, 1933

Robert D. Eaton, Prominent and Influential Citizen

Dies After Illness of More Than Year

Robert Dennison Eaton, for half a century a prominent citizen of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], died at his summer home at Chenango lake Sunday evening, August 6, aged 79 years.  His death followed an illness of a year and a half, during which he maintained his cheerfulness and his interest in affairs.

He was born in Norwich, October 2, 1854, the son of William and Amarihat Carr Eaton, and was educated at the old Norwich academy, under the principalship of Professor Ward, one of the noted educators of that period. Following his graduation, he went to Kansas City, where for a year he was engaged in business with his brother, the late George C. Eaton. Returning to Norwich he entered the employ of Barber and Whitcomb, stationers and book sellers.  His associations with Messrs. Barber and Whitcomb left a deep impression and always remained as cherished recollections. About 1880 he became associated with the late Edwin Smith in the feed business on East Main street which had been established in 1838, and soon after became a partner.  Following the death of Mr. Smith he became sole owner of the business, which was later incorporated as the R.D. Eaton Grain & Feed Company and continued until 1927.

About 1890 he became interested in the Norwich Pharmacal Company, then a small and struggling business.  In subsequent years his business acumen played an important part in the development of the company until it occupies a front rank among the pharmaceutical houses of the United States.  He held the office of director and secretary from 1901 to 1921.  Since that time he has been chairman of the board of directors.

His other business interests were many and varied. For many years he was a director and more recently a vice president of the National Bank and Trust company.  He was one of the early supporters of the Norwich Water Company, serving as director for many years and from 1918 until the sale of the property to the Norwich Water Service Corporation was president and general manager. The Norwich Cemetery Association and the development of its properties aroused his interest and the purchase of the hill west of the cemetery and its reforestation was one of his favorite enterprises.  He took great interest in the young forest and pride in the fact that forest authorities point to it as one of the outstanding spruce tracts in the state.

In more recent years he had devoted much thought and attention to the development of the Chenango lake property into a summer colony.  It was largely thru his foresight and interest that the Borden company became interested in Norwich as a location for a condensing plant and eventually built what was then its largest unit.

The First Congregational church, of which he was a member from early youth, had always received his loyal support. For many years he was a member of the choir, finding keen pleasure in its activities and in his musical associations in social life.  He served the church in many capacities and was liberal in his financial support.

On May 19, 1881, he married Maria Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Smith of Norwich. Their home quickly became a center for social activity and both were leaders in church and community circles.  Mr. and Mrs. Eaton celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1931.  Mrs. Eaton died February 15, 1932, Mr Eaton's illness dating from a few days before the death of his wife.

He is survived by a brother, Harry H. Eaton; three sons, Robert S., Warren E. and Melvin C. Eaton, all of Norwich, and six grandchildren, Cable and Elizabeth Maria, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Eaton; Warren Edwin, Jr., Janet and Elise, Children of Mr. and Mrs. Warren E. Eaton, and Thomas Jewell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin C. Eaton. Two nieces, Marion and Margaret, daughters of the late George C. Eaton, also survive. The tragic death of his grandson, Robert Eaton, eleven months ago, was a grievous blow.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the First Congregational church, Rev. Dowie G. DeBoer, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the family plot at Mt. Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Few men have played a greater part in the civic, commercial and industrial development of Norwich than Robert Dennison Eaton.  No worthy enterprise lacked his support and in many ways of which the public never knew he aided in movements which have contributed to the happiness and prosperity of the community.  Always bold and courageous in maintaining his position, once he had determined what seemed to him the wise course, he never sought public recognition for his efforts. The same characteristics marked his private charities, which have been widespread and liberal.  Family loyalty was one of his traits, and the Eaton family reunion, which has continued as an annual event for nearly a century, was a particular hobby.  He was a lover of the wild and of nature in all her manifestations.  The mountains, the forests, the green fields and growing things were his delight.  With Mrs. Eaton he took keen pleasure in garden culture, in displaying its beauties to his friends and sharing its bloom with those who were ill.  Happy and jovial in his social relations, always filled with a spirit of fun and dearly loving a joke, he never indulged in the kind of joke which leaves a sting. Though men might differ in matters of policy, they found in him those personal qualities which make for close and enduring friendships.

Marriage Announcement

Chenango Union, May 26, 1881

The Congregational Church was the scene of a most brilliant and happy social event on Thursday afternoon of last week, the occasion being the marriage of Robert Eaton to Miss Maria Smith, daughter of E. Smith, Esq.  Long before the hour appointed for the nuptials, a stream of elegantly dressed ladies began to flow towards the church, and soon filled it to overflowing The floral decorations about the altar were the most elaborate and beautiful we ever saw on any similar occasion. Great masses of superb flowers and evergreens were artistically arranged upon the platform extending across in front of the organ.  In front of the altar was an elaborate arch of evergreens and flowers, from which depended a mammoth floral marriage bell.  Half way down the centre aisle was another arch, from which hung the horse shoe emblem of good luck. These floral decorations were the work of loving friends of the young couple, and their completeness attested the estimation in which the two were held by their associates.

Mrs. Mitchell presided at the organ with her usual efficiency, rendering sweet music while the audience was gathering. Shortly after three o'clock the doors were flung open and the bridal party were escorted down the main aisle to the grand music of the organ, and the blushing couple took their position beneath the marriage bell, the ushers standing on either side. Dr. Taylor was in readiness to receive them, and at once proceeded with the beautiful ceremony that soon made then "husband and wife." The party then took carriages and proceeded to the residence of the bride's father, where choice refreshments were served to a party of relatives and intimate friends of the bride and groom. The wedding presents, which were numerous and elegant, were viewed with admiration by the company, and all enjoyed the happy occasion until the time came for the arrival of the train to take the newly wedded pair on their bridal trip.

Mr. Eaton and his bride are great favorites in Norwich, but more particularly with the Congregational Society, they having both been leading singers in the choir of that church for several years. Both are well worthy of the love and respect that all feel for them, and if good wishes will have any effect upon their married life, it will ever be full of sunshine and happiness.

Below we give a list of the presents.
Silver tea set and twelve silver dinner knives, from ladies of Congregational Church
Silver oyster dish and silver cake, from young People's Association Congregational Church
Set garnet jewelry, from ushers Stanton, Nash, Chapman and Hale
Point lace barbe, Mrs. Fred Mitchell
Set desert spoons, Mrs. William Eaton and Master Harry
Silver ice pitcher and goblets, George C. Eaton, Chicago
Sandalwood fan, T. Ben Lewis, California
Case silver nut picks, W.S. Kellogg
Dozen engraved silver tea spoons, Miss Lou Newton
Set silver fruit knives, Mr. and Mrs. Cady, Oneonta
Gold thimble, Mrs. Kittie Breed Lewis, California
Silver spoon, Mrs. messenger
Silver syrup cup and call bell, Mrs. Warren Eaton, Oxford
Silver jewel casket, Mr. and Mrs. George P. Hyer, Syracuse;
Silver and crystal flower vase, Miss Alice Turner
Silver butter dish, Mrs. may Campbell
Steel engraving and frame, Bierstadts Rocky Mountains, Mr. and Mrs. Benj. Barber
Japanese tea set, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Carr,
pearl card case, Mrs. M.A. Whitcomb
Parian marble statuette, "Lesbia," M.A. Whitcomb
Embroidered toilet set, Miss Jennie Bellows
Embroidered watch case, Maggie Bellows,
Pair candlesticks and decorated candles, Hattie Scoville
Statuette "You Naughty Boy", Miss Katherine W. Gilbert, Gilbertsville
Panel picture and easel, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. McHenry
Decorated china fruit set, Mr.an Mrs. Silas Brooks
Toilet cushion and bottles, Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Smith, St. Paul
Two holly and gilt banner frames, J.L. Pease
Decorated china fruit set, R. Harkness and family
Painted tile and frame, Mrs. A.M. Bavin and daughter
Plaque painting and velvet frame, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Frazer, Syracuse
Satin decorated paper case, Miss Nettie Wheeler
Satin embroidered brush broom holder, Miss Bell Stebbins
Embroidered tidy, Mrs. W.H. Burges, Gilbertsville
Cash from John Hammond, $5
Satin decorated banner screen, Mattie Scoville
Two panel painting, Mr. and Mrs. Elmore Sharpe
Lace and decorated satin tidy, Libbie and Hannah Carr
Decorated satin fan, Mr. and Mrs. H.M. Ashcraft
Linen table cloth, Mr. and Mrs. J. Sheff
Marble top table, R.D. Eaton,
Gold band China tea set, Edwin Smith
Basket of choice flowers, Norman Squires,
Other beautiful floral offerings too numerous to mention, were to be seen on every hand.