Orlando Henson Eaton

Orlando Henson Eaton, the second of five children of Joseph Orlando Beckwith Eaton and Victoreen Elizabeth Walker, came into this world on April 29, 1867, in Pleasant Grove, Utah. “He enjoyed riding horses and rode in many races as that was one of the leading sports in those days. He loved horses and always drove a fine team. As did his brothers and sisters, he loved music and played the snare drum.” 1

Henson’s parents moved to Vernal, Utah in 1882, where he later married Harriet Percilla Richins, a childhood sweetheart. Their home was a one-room log cabin. Each year the couple returned to Pleasant Grove to visit relatives and gather fruit. When Henson’s mother died, leaving 12 children, three of them married, and a baby of 18 days, Henson and Percilla took his little sister in and raised her.

Henson worked hard farming, raising stock, freighting, and logging. He also owned Vernal Meat Market with others and later Eagle Market. He was always up before 5 am and seldom in bed before 11 pm. “He was honest and trustworthy and met his many obstacles bravely. He was very generous to a fault and extended credit to many who were unworthy.”2

Their home burned to the ground two times, losing nearly everything. After his wife passed away in 1927, he married Emily Shoel Bacon, a widow and childhood friend.

At the age of 80 years, he felled 49 trees, each long enough to cut three house logs. He had a great attitude of cheerfulness and friendliness for everyone. He passed away at 89 years on June 8, 1956.

1. The entire article is taken from the book, Henson Walker Family Record, by Jennie Walker Johnson, John V. Johnson and Floyd A. Walker, printed by Transcript-Bulletin Publishing Company, Inc.1958-1963, 211-213. Henson’s life history was written by his daughter, Musetta Eaton Hatch. Sherilyn Smith has a copy of this book.

      2.  http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=40871875