HATTON, Frank

HATTON

Posted By: Debbie Clough Gerischer
Date: 11/9/2008 at 14:33:30

FRANK HATTON was born at Cadiz, Ohio, on the 28th of April, 1846, receiving his education in his father's printing office. He enlisted in the Union army in 1864 and became a lieutenant before the war closed. Soon after his father removed to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and became the owner of the Journal where the son continued to assist in the office, until his father's death when he became the proprietor of the establishment. He was a warm friend of Senator James Harlan and in the contest for reelection in 1872, was one of the Senator's strongest supporters. After Mr. Harlan's defeat Mr. Hatton removed to Burlington where he became the editor of the daily Hawkeye and was appointed postmaster of the city. When President Garfield was inaugurated Mr. Hatton was appointed First Assistant Postmaster-General and upon the resignation of Mr. Gresham he succeeded him at the head of the Post-Office Department, becoming a member of President Arthur's Cabinet. He was at one time chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Iowa. He removed to Washington D. C., and became one of the editors of the daily Post where he died on the 30th of April, 1894.