James Youman Eaton Explained

James Youman Eaton (1866 – June 27, 1928) was an American teacher, lawyer, and politician.

Early life

James Youman Eaton was born in 1866 in Louisburg, North Carolina to Thomas R. and Annie Burwell Eaton. His parents were former slaves and after emancipation were economically successful, having acquired 700 acres of land by the mid-1870s. Following graduation from the Boydton Academic and Bible Institute, Eaton earned a bachelor of laws degree from Shaw University in 1894 and passed the state bar exam that September. On June 30, 1900, he married Mary Agnes Cooper. They had five children together.

Career

After graduating from law school, Eaton opened a legal practice in Henderson. From 1897 to 1898 he served as a county attorney for Vance County.[1] As a young adult he taught at a school in Townsville and served two years as principal of a school in Buffalo Lithia Springs, Virginia. He was elected as president of the Vance County Colored Teachers' Association at its formation on April 9, 1898.[2] The following year he founded and became principal of the Central Colored Graded School in Henderson.

Eaton was selected to run for a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives on the Republican ticket in September 1898.[3] He won the seat to represent Vance County in the November election.[4] [5] He served in 1899 and 1900.[6] During the 1899 session, in which he was one of only three black representatives,[7] he served on a subcommittee of the legislature's joint Committee of Institutions for the Insane. He proposed four local bills before the House, two of which passed.

Later life

Eaton died on June 27, 1928 from heart issues stemming from an illness. A funeral was held for him in Henderson on July 3[8] and his body was interred in a family plot in Blacknall Cemetery. The Eaton-Johnson Middle School in Henderson was partly named in his honor.

Works cited

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Notes and References

  1. News: James Youman Eaton.. The News & Observer. Raleigh. 30. Twentieth Century State. August 24, 1899.
  2. News: Public School Teachers of Vance County Effect an Organization at a Meeting Held April 9th . 12 January 2024 . Henderson Gold Leaf . 21 April 1898 . 3.
  3. News: Straight Republican Ticket . 12 January 2024 . The News and Observer . 1 October 1898 . 3.
  4. News: The Election in the State . 12 January 2024 . Statesville Record and Landmark . 15 November 1898 . 6.
  5. News: Our Law Makers: Who Will Constitute Our Next Legislature . 12 January 2024 . Henderson Gold Leaf . 8 December 1898 . 1.
  6. News: Adjourned Session of the Legislature Meets at Noon . 12 January 2024 . The Morning Post . 10 June 1900 . 5.
  7. News: Patterson. Dennis. Racial Issues Show Stark Changes In Last 100 Years. The Carolina Times. Associated Press. 1. October 30, 1999.
  8. News: Funeral For Negro Educator. 12 January 2024 . News and Record . 4 July 1928 . 10.