Eaton, William M.
William M. Eaton was the second president of General Motors. He held that post from October 20, 1908 until November 23, 1910.
He was born in Cambridge, Ohio on July 23, 1856. His father, James H. Eaton, moved the family to Jackson, Michigan in 1872, and opened a pottery business. After a year and a half in high school, Eaton went to work with his father at the pottery, working at this until 1889 when he was employed by the Jackson Furniture Company as an accountant, timekeeper, and salesman.
From 1882 to 1885 he was with Holden & Tinker and D.A. Tinker & Co., in which he held an interest, and for two years was with the Bennet Clay Machinery Company.
In 1887, Eaton began what was destined to be his real life's work. That year he became superintendent and treasurer of the Jackson Gas Light Company. He remained in this position until 1902. He established an excellent reputation in the gas business. As such, in 1903 he was called to the Grand Rapids Gas Company as vice president and general manager, a position he held until, in 1904, he was placed in the more important position of vice president and general manager of the Rochester Railway and Light Company in New York. In 1907 he was called into the New York offices of Hodenpyl, Hardy & Co., where his practical knowledge of the actual workings of gas and electric light and power plans made him invaluable.
He realized to its last degree the possibilities of the AuSable water power, and sustained all the efforts made by W.A. Foote to have this power utilized by the company. He spent long hours and long months in acquiring and developing this property, throwing all the power of his nature into the task.
In 1908, Eaton was recruited to General Motors by founder Billy Durant. He was brought into to succeed George E. Daniels as president of the company and handle the administrative details while Durant went about building the General Motors empire of companies. In 1910, Eaton retired from the board of directors when the banker’s trust led by James J. Storrow took over control of the company from Durant.
William E. Eaton died in September of 1923.
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