Theophilus Eaton
Theophilus Eaton | |
|---|---|
Statue of Governor Theophilus Eaton at Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford, CT. | |
| Governor of New Haven Colony | |
| In office June 4, 1639 – January 7, 1658 | |
| Preceded by | office established |
| Succeeded by | Francis Newman |
| Commissioner of the United Colonies of New England for New Haven Colony | |
| In office May 19, 1643 – January 7, 1658 | |
| Preceded by | office established |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Mason |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1590 Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Died | January 7, 1658 (aged 67/68) New Haven Colony |
| Spouse(s) | Grace Miller (until her death) Anne Yale |
| Profession | Merchant, politician |
Theophilus Eaton (c. 1590 — January 7, 1658) was a New England colonist, politician, merchant and financier, who took part in organizing and financing the Great Puritan Migration to America. He was a founder of Massachusetts Bay Colony, and a founder and eventual governor of New Haven Colony. He also cofounded Boston, Massachusetts, Greenwich, Connecticut and Eaton's Neck in New York.
His brother, Nathaniel Eaton, became the first headmaster of Harvard college, building Harvard Yard and Harvard Library, and his son, Samuel Eaton, became one of the seven founders of the Harvard Corporation.