He began his career as a court reporter before earning a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 1889.

[3] Though Easton and Columbia initially focused on stenography and related business applications, they quickly realized the financial potential of entertainment recording, using the automatic, or 'nickel-in-the-slot' phonograph, recording John Philip Sousa's U.S. Marine Band, and whistler John Yorke AtLee.

[5] Under Easton's leadership, Columbia began marketing discs in 1901 and ceased manufacturing cylinders in 1912.

Easton remained president of Columbia until his death in April 1915, and was credited with expertly navigating the company to the top of the world's music recording industry.

In January 1876, Easton married Hattie Kaldenback from his hometown of Essex, Massachusetts in Washington, D.C.; she died on April 17, 1881.