Share on Facebook
Share on X
Share by Email
Share on Google Classroom
Sir John Craig Eaton, merchant, philanthropist (born 28 April 1876 in Toronto, ON; died 30 March 1922 in Toronto, ON). Eaton was president of the T. Eaton Company Limited from 1907 until his death in 1922 (see Eaton’s).
Career
The third son of Timothy Eaton, John Craig Eaton worked in numerous capacities within the T. Eaton Company Limited before becoming president 1907 (see Eaton’s). Recognizing the opportunities for development in the West, he was largely responsible for establishing the Eaton store in Winnipeg in 1905. He also opened buying offices in Great Britain, the United States, Europe and Japan. By 1919 he had established Saturday holidays and evening closing at 5 p.m. in his stores, factories and mail-order offices. The Eaton Boys and Girls clubs also provided educational and recreational facilities for company employees. Eaton employees on active war service continued to receive full pay for the duration of First World War - ultimately more than $2 million.
Honours and Awards
John Craig Eaton was knighted in 1915 for his philanthropic activities.
