Winnifred Eaton, known by various pen names, most notably Onoto Watanna, was a trailblazing Canadian author and screenwriter of Chinese-British heritage. Born on August 21, 1875, Eaton defied expectations and became one of the first Asian writers in North America to publish fiction in English. She carved a unique path in the literary landscape. Eaton's remarkable background was shaped by her parents, Edward C. Eaton, an English merchant, and Achuen "Grace" Amoy, a Chinese performer. Born in Montreal in 1875, she was the eighth of 12 surviving children in a large and constantly relocating family. Despite the financial struggles they faced, the Eaton children were raised in an intellectually stimulating environment. Winnifred's sister, Edith...More
Winnifred Eaton, known by various pen names, most notably Onoto Watanna, was a trailblazing Canadian author and screenwriter of Chinese-British heritage. Born on August 21, 1875, Eaton defied expectations and became one of the first Asian writers in North America to publish fiction in English. She carved a unique path in the literary landscape. Eaton's remarkable background was shaped by her parents, Edward C. Eaton, an English merchant, and Achuen "Grace" Amoy, a Chinese performer. Born in Montreal in 1875, she was the eighth of 12 surviving children in a large and constantly relocating family. Despite the financial struggles they faced, the Eaton children were raised in an intellectually stimulating environment. Winnifred's sister, Edith Maude Eaton, known as Sui Sin Far, would also go on to become a renowned author, writing stories about Chinese immigrants in the United States. Life took Eaton to New York City, where she met journalist Bertrand Babcock, and they married in 1901. They had four children together, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1917. Eaton then married Francis Fournier Reeve and moved to Alberta, Canada. There, she pursued ranching while continuing her writing endeavors. Eaton's thirst for new experiences led her to the film industry in the mid-1920s, taking her first to New York in 1924 and then to Hollywood in 1925. However, she eventually returned to Calgary in 1932, where she became an active member of the artistic community. Eaton played a pivotal role in founding Alberta's Little Theatre Movement and served as the president of the Calgary branch of the Canadian Authors' Association. Tragically, in 1954, while returning from a vacation in California, Eaton fell ill and passed away from heart failure in Butte, Montana. In her memory, her husband generously donated funds to establish the Reeve Theatre at the University of Calgary, ensuring her enduring legacy.
