My Genealogy Hound

David Brockway, senior member of the firm of Brockway & Eaton, general merchants of Hazen, Ark., was born in the Nutmeg State in 1837 and was the second child born to Pierce and Pearl (Webb) Eaton, who were also born in that State, the former’s birth occurring about 1810. Upon securing a good education in the common schools of his native State, he began learning the carpenter’s trade, and followed this occupation throughout life. He was married about 1834 and made his home in Hartford, Conn., his children being born there. Their names are as follows: William (who died when young), David and Mary (who became the wife of Mr. Hurlburt, of Quincy, Ill., and died one year after her marriage). The father of these children emigrated to California in 1848 and was never heard from afterward, but was supposed to have died in that State about 1848 or 1849. His wife survived him until 1853 when she, too, passed to her long home, her death occurring in the State of Virginia whither she had gone for her health. She was a daughter of Harvey Webb, a native of Connecticut. David Brockway acquired his early education in New Haven, Conn., and at the age of twenty years he started for the West to seek a fortune, and landed in McDonough County, Ill., where he made his home until 1883, at which date he came to Arkansas and settled at Hazen. He was formerly a successful farmer, but since his arrival in this State he has devoted his attention to merchandising and the lumber business, and since 1887 has been associated in business with William E. Eaton. They are also large shippers of hay and cotton and do an annual business of about $75,000. Mr. Brockway is a Republican politically, and socially, belongs to Hazen Lodge No. 361, A. F. & A. M., and the United Workmen, Good Hope (Ill.) Lodge No. 129. He was married in Illinois to Miss Rebecca Ballance, a daughter of Joseph Ballance, a native of England. Mrs. Brockway was born in Illinois and has borne her husband five children: Mollie (Mrs. Webb, residing in Illinois), Ella (Mrs. Eaton), Pearl, Bessie and Bruce. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church.