John Eaton (1811 – 1904), farmer, cattle breeder and council alderman, was fundamental in the development of Maryborough and the Wide Bay District. On moving north from southern New South Wales, he purchased the Teebar run in Queensland in 1854. Eaton acquired a number of properties in Maryborough and was a founder of the Eatonvale Sugar Plantation and Factory. Eaton was the second Mayor of Maryborough, succeeding Mr Henry Palmer. He died 19 June 1904, aged 94 years, from general debility.
In the early stages of settlement, there were frequent attacks on Teebar by Aborigines. As more settlers arrived in the region Aboriginal incursions started to decrease. Consequently, Eaton began to expand his land holdings.
In 1856 he commenced building “Rosehill” on the banks of the Mary River at Tinana. In 1859 the family moved into this elaborate residence, complete with ballroom. “Rosehill”, Maryborough’s oldest home, is still standing.
John Eaton died at the age of 94 years at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. R. Maitland of Westwood.
Citation
Lee Butterworth and Jan Richardson, ‘John Eaton (1811-1904)’, Harry Gentle Resource Centre, Griffith University, 2017 (updated 2023), https://harrygentle.griffith.edu.au/life-stories/john-eaton/.
Archival Resources
QSA ITM 101517, Register - Sales of Crown land
QSA ITM 7206, Letterbook of letters sent by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wide Bay and Burnett
QSA ITM 7557, Tabular registers of land
QSA ITM 7558, Tabular registers of land
QSA ITM 7205, Letterbook of letters sent by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wide Bay and Burnett
QSA Series ID S11968, Tabular Registers of Tenders
Newspapers
John Eaton of Teebar, Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, 15 July 1904, p. 3.
The Sugar Industry Around Maryborough, Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, 20 November 1869, p. 2.
The Chronicle, Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, 25 August 1864, p. 2.
Imported Bulls, Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, 10 July 1862, p. 2.
The Aldride Papers, Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, 19 October 1864, p. 4.
Gayndah, Courier, 21 April 1863, p. 3.
Melbourne, Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, 7 May 1868, p. 2.
Death of Mr John Eaton, Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, 21 June 1904, p. 2.
