Nathaniel Eaton (c. 1610 – 1664) was an English clergyman and academic, best known for being the first "schoolmaster" or head of Harvard College in colonial Massachusetts. His brief and controversial tenure from 1637 to 1639 ended in dismissal after he was accused of physically abusing students and servants, as well as financial misconduct. His rapid downfall established an early precedent for the governance and accountability of higher education in North America.
Early Life and Education
Nathaniel Eaton was born in England around 1610, the son of the Reverend Richard Eaton. He was a younger brother of Theophilus Eaton, who would become a prominent colonial leader and governor of New Haven Colony. Nathaniel likely attended Trinity College, Cambridge, though his educational record there is somewhat obscure, with some sources suggesting he may not have completed a degree. He was known for his learning, particularly in Greek and Hebrew, and was connected to intellectual circles in England.
Harvard College Appointment
In 1637, the Massachusetts Bay Colony General Court established Harvard College with a grant of £400. Later that year, they appointed Nathaniel Eaton as the first "schoolmaster" (a term functionally equivalent to a president or head of the institution at the time) to oversee the fledgling college. His charge was to educate young men for the ministry and civil leadership. The college initially operated out of a single house in Newtowne (later renamed Cambridge) and had a small number of students.
Eaton was tasked with setting up the curriculum, managing the college's finances, and providing for the students' board and instruction. His wife, Anne Eaton, was responsible for preparing meals for the students.
Controversy and Dismissal
Eaton's tenure at Harvard was marked by immediate controversy and quickly deteriorated. Students and servants accused him of severe physical abuse, including excessive flogging. One notable instance involved his assistant, Benjamin Woodbridge, who was reportedly beaten with a cudgel. There were also complaints about the poor quality and insufficient quantity of food provided to the students by his wife.
Beyond physical cruelty, Eaton was accused of financial mismanagement and dishonesty, including misusing college funds and neglecting proper record-keeping. The scandalous reports led to a formal investigation by the Massachusetts General Court in September 1639. During the trial, Eaton was found guilty of "cruelty and tyranny" towards his students and servants. He was fined, ordered to pay damages, and publicly dismissed from his position. His wife was also cited for her role in the inadequate provision of food.
Fearing further punishment, Eaton absconded from the colony, fleeing first to Virginia and then eventually returning to England.
Later Life
After leaving Massachusetts, Eaton continued to experience a tumultuous life. He was ordained as an Anglican priest in England and held various ecclesiastical positions. However, he frequently faced legal and financial difficulties. He was imprisoned multiple times for debt and was known for his contentious personality. Nathaniel Eaton died in jail in England in 1664, likely while incarcerated for debt.
Legacy
Despite his brief and ignominious leadership, Nathaniel Eaton's period at Harvard is historically significant. His dismissal set an early precedent for accountability in educational administration in the colonies. The subsequent appointment of Henry Dunster as Harvard's first official president in 1640 marked a turning point, ushering in a period of stability and growth for the institution. Eaton's story remains a cautionary tale in the early history of American higher education, highlighting the challenges and ethical considerations in founding new institutions in a frontier environment.