Frank Hatton (U.S. politician)

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 of The Washington Post.

Early life
Born in Cambridge, Ohio on April 28, 1846, Hatton was raised and educated in Cadiz, Ohio and apprenticed to his father, who was a printer and newspaper publisher.

Civil War
During the American Civil War he enlisted in the 98th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment. His unit served primarily with the Army of the Cumberland, and Hatton attained the rank of First Lieutenant with the 184th Ohio Infantry before being mustered out at the end of the war.

Early career
After the war, Hatton worked in the newspaper business in Mount Pleasant, Iowa and later in Burlington, Iowa. Identifying himself with the Republican Party, primarily the Stalwart faction, he served as Burlington's Postmaster, and held several party positions, including Chairman of the Iowa Republican Party's Central Committee.

Political career
In 1881 he was appointed Assistant Postmaster General in the James A. Garfield administration. He continued in office during Chester A. Arthur's presidency.

In 1884 he was promoted to Postmaster General when incumbent Walter Q. Gresham became Secretary of the Treasury.

Hatton worked unsuccessfully to nominate President Arthur for a full term at the 1884 Republican National Convention and returned to the newspaper business after the end of his term as Postmaster General in 1885.

Later career
Hatton was part-owner and editor of The Washington Post until late April 1894, when he was stricken with a massive stroke while working at his desk.

Death and burial
He died on April 30, 1894, a week after his stroke and two days after his 48th birthday. He was interred in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Legacy
The town of Hatton, North Dakota was founded in 1882, and is named for Frank Hatton.