The first record which can definitely be ascribed to William Eaton, later of Granville, is a deed to him for 200 acres by James Thweatt, joining George Rives properety, dated 1-11-1717. He moved to Edgecombe Co. , NC abt. 1742. On 3-15-1743 he proved his rights for taking up land for importing 11 whites and 23 blacks into the colony. In 1746 Granville Co. was formed from the part of Edgecombe Co. in which he lived. William Eaton represented Granville Co in the Assembly 1746-54, was a Justice of the peae, vestryman of St. John’s Parish, and Col. of the Granville Co. Militia. According to Claiborne T. Smith in a letter to Clara Fenner Manning, he became rich from speculating in lane. 707