John Eckert

 

John Eckert is engaged in general farming in Franklin township, owning and cultivating one hundred and seventy acres of land. He has brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and his place presents an attractive appearance, constituting one of the pleasing pictures in the landscape. He was born in Clayton county, near Guttenberg, October 7, 1872, a son of Christian and Anna (Nicolai) Eckert, natives of Germany, the former born in 1821 and the latter in 1824. When he was a young man the father crossed the Atlantic to America and, coming directly to Iowa, located first at Guttenberg and after a time became an extensive landowner, giving his attention to general farming in the vicinity of that city until 1876. In that year he moved to Franklin township, Allamakee county, and purchased a five hundred acre farm, upon which he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1877, less than one year after his arrival here. Following his demise the mother operated the farm with the help of her sons for a number of years and later made their home with her children until her death, which occurred on the 8th of December, 1910.

John Eckert is the youngest of seven children born to his parents. He was reared at home and in his childhood assisted with the work of his mother’s farm, becoming at an early date familiar with the best agricultural methods and with everything connected with the work of the fields. After his marriage he rented the homestead for seven years and then purchased land of his own on section 9, Franklin township, upon which he still resides. He now owns one hundred and seventy acres of fine land, upon which he carries on general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his business being important and profitable. He follows the most modern and progressive methods in the cultivation of his property and that his labors have been practical is indicated by the results he has achieved, owning now one of the best farms in this community.

On the 20th of March, 1900, Mr. Eckert was united in marriage to Miss Edith Roffmand and they became the parents of two children: Bernice, born January 2, 1907; and Florence, born June 16, 1910. Mr. Eckert is a stockholder in the Farmers’ Shipping Association of Luana and in the Monona State Bank and his ability is widely recognized in business circles. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he has rendered his township excellent service as school director although he never seeks public office. His life has been a busy, useful and active one and his success is indicated in the fact of his ownership of one of the valuable farming properties in this community.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich

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