Eaton Tavern
Dorchester Illustration 2658
The Eaton Tavern was located in the triangle of land at the foot of Meeting House Hill, near St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. The little park is now known as Father Coppens Square. Over the years it has been called Percival Square, Eaton Square, Dorchester Square, and Father Francis X. Coppens Square.
It is said that American troops gathered at Eaton Tavern in 1775 to participate in the fortification and defense of Dorchester Heights. They would have joined the wagons coming from all directions to Boston Street, converging there to proceed to the Heights, now in South Boston.
Parson Eaton kept a grocery and general store at this location and entertained parties in a hall in the house, which was a local landmark. The tavern contributed to the social life of Meeting House Hill, which was the cultural center of the town. His son, Ebenezer, carried on the business.
The following is from William Dana Orcutt. Good Old Dorchester: A Narrative History of the Town. (Cambridge, 1893).
[Ebenezer Eaton] “was born June 8, 1787, at Meeting-House Hill, in Dorchester, on the site of what is now called Eaton Square. He was at one time a captain in the militia, and retained the title of “Captain” until his death. After his marriage to Mrs. Mary Withington, a daughter of Thomas Moseley; they lived in the house above mentioned.
“In politics Captain Eaton was a democrat, and held the position of inspector of the Custom House for many years. After his removal by a change in administration, he became an auctioneer and appraiser, and held the office of selectman. He also represented the town in the Legislature. Although Dorchester was a strong Republican town, he never was defeated at the polls. For many years, together with E.E.R. Ruggles and Lewis F. Pierce, Captain Eaton was a member of the “old board” of selectmen, which managed their part of the town affairs with prudence and discretion. He was also one of the trustees of the Dorchester Savings Bank.”
Ebenezer died in 1874.