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Reuben Eaton Fenton (July 4, 1819 – August 25, 1885) was an American merchant and politician from New York. In the mid-19th century, he served as a U.S. Representative, a U.S. Senator, and as Governor of New York.
Reuben Eaton Fenton, the youngest son of George Washington Fenton and Elsie Owen, was born on the Fourth of July, 1819, in the Town of Carroll. The family lived in what was variously described as a frame house or a log cabin between Frewsburg and Fentonville.
Reuben E. Fenton was “a suave and able businessman and politician of Old Democratic vintage, who came from western New York,” wrote historian Glyndon Van Deusen.” 1 Fenton’s skills as a politician and speaker helped him rise quickly in Republican political ranks.
Reuben Eaton Fenton, 1819–85, U.S. politician, b. Carroll, N.Y. He was elected to the New York assembly in 1849 and to Congress in 1852. Although he was elected as a Democrat, his position on slavery led him to become a founder of the Republican party in New York.
Fenton first entered politics as the supervisor of Carroll, a position he held from 1846 to 1852. He also served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1853 to 1855 and 1857 to 1864; and he played a key role in organizing the state’s Republican Party in 1855.
The Reuben Eaton Fenton papers contain manuscripts and printed material related to his career in politics and government. Manuscripts include an outline and select chapters for a proposed biography, written circa 1869; letters written by Fenton concerning official business and political matters; and speeches on a variety of topics.
Fenton, Reuben Eaton, 1819–85, U.S. politician, b. Carroll, N.Y. He was elected to the New York assembly in 1849 and to Congress in 1852. Although he was elected as a Democrat, his position on slavery led him to become a founder of the Republican party in New York.
