Reuben Eaton Fenton (July 4, 1819 – August 25, 1885) was an American merchant and politician from New York. In the mid-19th century, he served as a U.S. Representative, a U.S. Senator, and as Governor of New York.

Fenton was born near Frewsburg, in Chautauqua County, New York, on July 4, 1819.^[1] He was the son of a farmer, and schoolteacher, George Washington Fenton (1783–1860) and Elsey (née Owen) Fenton (1790–1875).^[2] He had four siblings: Roswell Owen Fenton, George Washington Fenton Jr., William H.H. Fenton, and John Freeman Fenton.^[3]

His paternal grandparents were Roswell Fenton and Deborah (née Freeman) Fenton and his maternal grandfather was John Owen of Carroll, New York.^[3] His paternal aunt, Hannah Fenton was the wife of Lambert Van Buren of Kinderhook, New York.^[4]

He was educated in the district school, Cary's Academy near Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Fredonia Academy.^[5]

In 1840, he was named commander of the New York Militia's 162nd Infantry Regiment with the rank of colonel. He became a lumber merchant, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1841.^[6] Fenton entered politics as a Democrat. He was Town Supervisor of Carroll from 1843 to 1850.^[7]

In 1840, Fenton was married to Jane W. Frew (1821–1842), the daughter of John Frew. They had one daughter, Jane Frew Fenton. After his first wife's death in 1842 Jane went to live with her maternal grandparents. Reuben got remarried on June 12, 1844, to Elizabeth Scudder (1824–1901). Together, they were the parents of:^[5]

• Josephine Fenton (1845–1928), who married Frank Edward Gifford (1845–1934).^[5]
• Jeannette Fenton (1849–1924), who married Albert Gilbert (1851–1912).^[5]
• Reuben Earle Fenton (1865–1895), who married Lillian Mai Hayden, daughter of Charles H. Hayden in 1890.^[5]

Fenton died on August 25, 1885, in Jamestown,^[13] and was buried in Lake View Cemetery.^[14]

The town of Fenton in Broome County, New York, is named for Reuben Fenton.

Fenton's family home was an Italian Villa style house built in 1863. He and his family lived there until the passing of Fenton's wife. After her passing the house was abandoned before it became city property in 1919. It has been home to the Fenton History Center since 1964 and is now used as a museum dedicated to the local history of Chautauqua county.^[15] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.^[16]

After his death, a building at The State University of New York at Fredonia, Fenton Hall, was named in his honor because he had attended the previous incarnation of the school, Fredonia Academy.^[17][18]

Fenton Avenue in The Bronx, New York, is named for him.^[17]

• List of American politicians who switched parties in office