Joseph Oriel Eaton (1873 - 1949) was born July 28, 1873 in Yonkers, New York. At birth, he was named Harrison Eaton but his mother changed his name after Harrison's father - named Joseph Oriel Eaton - died as a tribute.
Joseph was raised in Cincinnati and attended Williams College in Massachusetts. He was one of the founders of Torbensen Gear and Axle Company which is known today as Eaton Corporation.