Daniel Yeaton, one of the leading farmers of Epsom and the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, was born in this town, January 6, 1839, son of John Yeaton (third) and Sarah (Bickford) Yeaton. His ancestors for several generations were prosperous tillers of the soil in this State; and his great-grandfather, John Yeaton (first), was a pioneer settler in Epsom. John Yeaton (second), grandfather of Daniel, a native and lifelong resident of this town, was one of the successful farmers of his day, and owned considerable property. In politics he supported the Democratic party, and he was a member of the Congregational church. He was about eighty-one years old when he died. The first of his three marriages was contracted with Rebecca Bickford, who died when about twenty-five years old, leaving two sons, of whom John (third) was the eldest. The second marriage was made with Betsy Towle, who bore him three children, none of whom are living. The third wife was the widow of William Yeaton, who had no children.
John Yeaton (third), born in Epsom, November 29, 1804, was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed energetically and Sarah Bickford Yeaton, whom he married December 25, 1828, was a daughter of Samuel Bickford, of Epsom. She died at the age of forty-nine years, leaving six children-William, James, Daniel, Sarah E., Vienna R., and Betsey A. William married Caroline B. Tripp, of Epsom, who bore him two children: Ina, now deceased; and Alma. He enlisted in the Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, and died in the Civil War. James Yeaton wedded Martha Randall, of Deerfield, N.H., for his first wife, who bore him Edwin R. His second wife, in maidenhood Annie R. Crockett, of Concord, N.H., had three children-John C., Helen E. P., and George H. Sarah, now deceased, married James L. Bartlett, and had four daughters-Susan N., Sarah A., Lizzie E., and Nettie M. Vienna R. is now the widow of Elbridge Batchelder, late of Epsom, and has two children-George E. and Edith G. Betsey A. married for her first husband Thomas B. Robinson, of Epsom, by whom she had two children-Burt and Jennie. She is now the wife of John Brown, of Northwood, N.H. For his second wife John Yeaton (third) married Mrs. Caroline Cilly, the widow of Samuel Cilly, late of Lowell, Mass., and a sister of his first wife. The children by his second union were: Stella R., who is no longer living; and Fred W.
Daniel Yeaton attended the school in his native town, and at an early age began to assist on the farm. He has always resided at the homestead, and has given his attention to general farming. As a practical and successful agriculturist he ranks among the foremost in Epsom. He owns other valuable real estate in this town in addition to the home property. On May 8, 1872, he was united in marriage with Annie B. Rowell. She is a daughter of Asa and Abigail S. (Moulton) Rowell, late of Chichester, N.H., who were prosperous farming people. Her father lived to be sixty-nine years old, and her mother attained the age of fifty-five. Of their four children three are living, Mrs. Yeaton being the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Yeaton have three children: Alfred D., born March 5, 1874; Minot R., born July 25, 1878; and Alice B., born July 24, 1883.
Mr. Yeaton is one of the active members of the Republican party in this section. For two years he has served as Town Treasurer, and he was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 1895. He displays an ability in public affairs that commends him to the voters irrespective of party, and he is highly esteemed as a worthy and useful citizen. Both he and Mrs. Yeaton are members of the Free Will Baptist church.