Eaton, Frank, b. 1860

Frank Boardman Eaton was born October 26, 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut. When Frank was eight, the Eaton family moved to Twin Mounds, Kansas to homestead. Shortly thereafter Eaton witnessed his father's murder. He practiced his shooting and at the age of 15 engaged in gunfights to avenge his father's murder. Eaton served as a deputy U.S. Marshall in Indian Territory under the "hanging judge," Judge Isaac C. Parker. At 29, he joined the land rush to Oklahoma Territory. Eaton served as the model for OSU's mascot "Pistol Pete". He settled near Perkins where he served as sheriff and later became a blacksmith. He lived there until his death in April 8, 1958. Rolla Goodnight was also a cowboy and was a lifelong friend of Eaton's.

From the description of Oral history interview with Frank Eaton and Rolla Goodnight, 1938 May 3 [sound recording]. (Oklahoma State University Library). WorldCat record id: 36802122

Frank Boardman Eaton was born October 26, 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut. When Frank was eight, the Eaton family moved to Twin Mounds, Kansas to homestead. Shortly thereafter Eaton witnessed his father's murder. He practiced his shooting and at the age of 15 engaged in gunfights to avenge his father's murder. Eaton served as a deputy U.S. Marshall in Indian Territory under the "hanging judge," Judge Isaac C. Parker. At 29, he joined the land rush to Oklahoma Territory. Frank Eaton became the model for Oklahoma A & M College's "Pistol Pete" mascot. He settled near Perkins where he served as sheriff and later became a blacksmith. He lived there until his death on April 8, 1958.

Founded December 1890 as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical (A & M) College; officially became Oklahoma State University in 1957.

From the description of Papers, 1889-1980. (Oklahoma State University Library). WorldCat record id: 35526158