[8] The village derives its name from Gen. William Eaton[9] (1764–1811), the U.S. Consul at Tunis, who led a diverse army in a harrowing march from Egypt to Tripoli to meet the U.S.

In addition to the city of Eaton and the county of Preble, various streets in Eaton (Barron, Decatur, Israel, Wadsworth, and Somers) were named in honor of heroes of the First Barbary War and the Second Barbary War.

This growth was primarily derived from the town's location at the strategic junction of two turnpikes.

[10] In June 1859 a fire in Eaton destroyed thirteen of its primary business establishments.

Caused by incendiaries, the fire scorched the courthouse and left it a brown color.

32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Eaton has a branch and administrative offices of the Preble County District Library.

[23] Edison State Community College operates a satellite campus in Eaton.

[24] Eaton has a sister city arrangement with Rödental bei Coburg, Germany.