Theophilus Eaton

Eaton, Theophilus (1590–1658), founder of New Haven colony. As one of the original patentees of Massachusetts Bay Company, the Puritan Eaton led 250 colonists from England to Boston in 1637. Seeking to escape the controversy over Anne Hutchinson and also looking for a good harbor, Eaton and his friends settled in New Haven in 1638. They purchased land from the Native Americans, and created a church and court. Eaton served as governor of New Haven from 1639 until his death.

See also: Puritans.