William Eccles (1830-1894)

ECCLES, ARMSTRONG

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/26/2016 at 21:54:42

From Nevada Representative January 10, 1894

William Eccles, born Dec. 30, 1830, died Jan. 5, 1894. Mr. Eccles was born at the date given above in Ireland. He came to the United States in the spring of 1846. He was united in marriage August 18, 1858, in New York City with Miss Annie Armstrong. In September of the same year they moved to Iowa, where they had unbroken residence with exception of the years between 1865 and 1870, which were spent in New York. Father Eccles was a well known personality in Story county, and commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him. He was converted to God and united with the Methodist Episcopal church in Nevada under the ministry of Rev. Fegtly in the winter of 1873; and Aug. 24 of the same year, together with his wife, was received into full connection of the same church. He has been a faithful and devoted Christian through all the years that intervene between 1873 and 1894.

There are five children living, three men and two women. His beloved wife died March 16, 1892. Ever since her death he has had a "heavenly home sickness," and was unsatisfied until the silver thread that bound him to this earthly shore was broken ans his union with the loved was perfected forever.

Mr. Eccles was a man of singularly pure, clean, and honest life. While his work and ambitions were modest no man had more of the sincere respect of those who knew him. With the loved and lost wife, a remarkably sweet woman, he lived a blessed life. When the bitter sorrow of parting shall have been forgotten there will remain many happy memories to those who survive.

The funeral took place from the Methodist church at 11 a. m., Sabbath morning, Jan. 7, 1894, in the presence of a very large assembly, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. R. Horswell, assisted by Rev. Fegtly. The remains were laid to rest by the side of his companion in the spot chosen by himself.