Rufus Easton (1774-1834) - Find a Grave Memorial

US Congressman. He studied law, and became an attorney, first in Connecticut, and later in Rome, New York. In 1804 he moved to St. Louis, Missouri (then called Upper Louisiana Territory), and was appointed its first Postmaster, serving from 1805 to 1815. In addition, in 1805 he was appointed the territory's first federal judge. Easton was also a Colonel in the militia. In 1804 and 1805 Easton corresponded with Aaron Burr, but denied participation in an alleged plan to sever New Orleans and surrounding territory from the United States. In 1814 Easton was elected as Missouri's delegate to the US House of Representatives, and served a partial term, September, 1814 to August, 1816. He was defeated for reelection in 1816, and unsuccessfully contested the victory of John Scott. When Missouri became a state in 1821 Easton was appointed Attorney General, serving until 1826. He then moved to St. Charles, where he resumed the practice of law and also engaged in land sales and development. Easton trained several prospective attorneys, including Edward Bates, US Attorney General under Abraham Lincoln. Easton owned land across the Mississippi from St. Louis that was settled as Alton, Illinois, which was named for his son. Alton R. Easton was a Mexican War officer, and served as Assistant Treasurer of the United States and in other offices. Rufus Easton's daughter Mary Easton Sibley was the founder of Lindenwood College.

Bio by: Bill McKern