Frank Hatton

Frank Hatton (April 28, 1846 – April 30, 1894) was an American politician and newspaperman. He was a Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, served as United States Postmaster General, and later edited The Washington Post.

Early life Hatton was born in Cambridge, Ohio on April 28, 1846, a son of Richard Hatton and Sarah (Green) Hatton. He was raised and educated in Cadiz, Ohio and apprenticed to his father, who was a printer and newspaper publisher. His unit served primarily with the Army of the Cumberland, and Hatton took part in numerous engagements including the Battle of Atlanta. In addition, he was also one of the organizers of the Grand Army of the Republic in Ohio.

Early career After the war, Hatton worked in the newspaper business in Mount Pleasant, Iowa and later in Burlington, Iowa. he served as Burlington's Postmaster,

Political career In 1881, Hatton was a candidate for several federal appointments at the start of the James A. Garfield administration. Garfield died that summer and in October, Hatton was appointed First Assistant Postmaster General during Chester A. Arthur's presidency.

Hatton worked unsuccessfully to nominate President Arthur for a full term at the 1884 Republican National Convention. The nomination was won by James G. Blaine, who went on to lose the general election to Democrat Grover Cleveland. Hatton left office at the end of Arthur's term and returned to the newspaper business.

Later career Hatton was part-owner and editor of The Washington Post until April 24, 1894, when he was stricken with a massive stroke while working at his desk. Hatton experienced complete paralysis, and was transported to a hospital, where his condition continued to decline. He was interred in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Family In 1867, Hatton married Elizabeth J. Snyder (1844-1944) of Mount Pleasant Iowa.