"Dr. Eaton," of the Russell-Eaton debate rested his reputation on being called doctor. I've been probing that. Here is the result:
Hello,
I am writing to follow up with you regarding a research inquiry made to our library reference chat yesterday evening. According to our records Ephraim L. Eaton was awarded an honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology from Lawrence University at our Commencement exercises in 1890. Unfortunately I have no further information on Mr. Eaton or why he was awarded the honorary degree.
Best,
Lina
Lina Rosenberg Foley
University Archivist
An honorary doctorate is not an earned doctorate. It is doubtful that he would be so recognized today. His word and views were not extraordinary then and are not now. The Eaton family connection to Lawrence University probably accounts for his honorary doctorate.
I need more information relevant to Eaton. Anyone?
Update
It turns out that while Eaton attended Garret Biblical Institute, his degree there [Bachelor of Divinity] was also honorary, given some years after he left the college in 1877. [1883-1884 Catalogue of the Graduate School of Theology.]
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