FENTON, Reuben Eaton, statesman, born in Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, 1 July 1819 ; died in Jamestown, New York, 25 August 1885. His early education was obtained at Pleasant Hill and Fredonia academies, in his native County. He was admitted to the bar in 1841, and began practice in Jamestown, but, finding law uncongenial, he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and in a few years acquired a moderate fortune. Meanwhile he took active interest in polities, and in 1843 was elected supervisor of the town of Carroll, which office he held for eight years. In l852 Mr. Fenton was elected to congress, and was active in the contest over the Kansas Nebraska bill, being one of the forty-four northern Democrats that voted against the further extension of slavery. This action resulted in his defeat in 1854, when the Whigs and Democrats nominated him against the Know-nothing candidate. The Republicans of his district nominated Mr. Fenton for congress in 1856, and a large majority elected him, serving from 1857 till 1864 when he resigned, having been chosen governor of his state. He heartily supported the cause of the Union in the civil war, and stood firmly by President Lincoln and his cabinet in their war measures.

He was inaugurated governor at the opening of the year 1865, and was reelected by an increased majority. In 1868 he was elected to succeed Edwin D. Morgan as U. S. senator, and served from 1869 to 1875. The only public trust held by him after leaving the senate was that of chairman of the U. S. commission at the International monetary conference in Paris in 1878. Mr. Fenton actively promoted the interests of the community in which he lived. He projected the bringing of two new railroads into Jamestown, and was one of the main contributors toward establishing there a Swedish orphanage. He also served a term as president of the village. His last public address was made on the occasion of General Grant's funeral, when a memorial service was held in Walnut Grove, his place of residence.