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Rufus Easton
Alton's Founding Father

by Isaac Ruedin

Rufus Easton, attorney, postmaster and statesman made many contributions to the bi-state area, including the founding of Alton.

Born in 1774 at Litchfield, Connecticut, Easton studied law in Connecticut and set up practice in Rome, New York. He arrived in St. Louis in 1804 where he was appointed judge of the Louisiana Territory by U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. Although an infamous friend named Aaron Burr, who murdered Alexander Hamilton in a duel that same year, offered Easton a part in a scheme for a western empire, Easton declined rather emphatically.

Postemaster of St. Louis, Delegate to Congress & Attorney General

In 1808 he became the first postmaster of St. Louis, and from 1814 to 1818 he served as the Missouri Territory's delegate to Congress. After Missouri achieved statehood in 1821, Easton was named attorney general, a post he held until 1826.

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Rufus Easton - Founds Alton, Illinois

Reprinted from Bluff City Profiles Alton, Illinois 1837-1987 Sesquicentenial Commemorative Book
Rufus Easton Alton's Founding Father
by Isaac Ruedin

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Rufus Easton Alton's Founding Father | Founds Alton, Illinois

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