Flavel Hunt Van Eaton was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, on October 10, 1833 (some sources state 1834). In 1852, he entered Illinois College, and graduated three years later. In 1858, he graduated from Missouri Medical College in St. Louis and practiced in Virginia, Illinois, and Franklin, Illinois, until the Civil War began.

Van Eaton became assistant surgeon of the 8th Missouri Cavalry in November 1862, was promoted to surgeon in February 1865, and was mustered out that July.

The 8th Missouri Cavalry fought in the Battle of Prairie Grove, the Little Rock campaign, and the 1864 operations against General Joseph Shelby north of the Arkansas River.

In 1870, Van Eaton moved to Saline County, Kansas, in 1884 to Sedgwick County, Kansas, and in 1889 to Olympia, Washington. He died February 2, 1901, and is buried in Masonic Memorial Park, Tumwater, Washington.

Carte-de-Visite by Mansfield’s City Gallery, St. Louis.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11992