Eichelberger, D. J.

EICHELBERGER, EBERLY, ESSLY

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 10/30/2020 at 09:26:44

D. J. Eichelberger, County Auditor of Washington County, was born in Cumberland County, Pa., Oct. 17, 1845, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Eberly) Eichelberger, both of whom were also natives of Pennsylvania. The father was an engineer by trade, and died many years ago, leaving a widow with five small children. Mrs. Eichelberger subsequently married Samuel Cocklin, and in 1859 came west with her husband and children, locating in Brighton Township, Washington County, where they remained for a time, and then moved to Marion Township, same county. Mrs. Eichelberger was a member of the Christian Church, and died in the faith in 1883.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of his native State, and on coming to Iowa, being a lad of fourteen years, assisted upon the farm until February, 1864, when he could no longer resist the repeated calls made by President Lincoln for more men, and therefore enlisted as a private in Co. I, 13th Iowa Vol. Inf., continuing with the regiment till the 22nd of July, 1864, when he was taken sick, and receiving a furlough, returned home to recuperate. While he was at home, Sherman started on his celebrated march to the sea, and, when he was able, he reported to Gen. Thomas at Nashville, and participated in the battle at that place, where the General won notable victory over the rebel Gen. Hood. From Nashville he was sent to Buford, N. C., where he participated in the engagement at Kingston, N. C. He rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro, N. C., and moved with it to Raleigh, and then to Durham Station, where Johnson surrendered. The regiment next proceeded to Washington and participated in the grand review. From Washington the regiment was sent to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out July 20, 1865, Mr. Eichelberger receiving his discharge at Davenport, July 28, 1865.

Returning to Washington County, he again resumed his occupation of farming, in which he continued until the fall of 1883, when he was elected the Auditor of the county, and was re-elected in 1885, and is now serving his second term. As an officer, he is quite popular, being accommodating and pleasant at all times. Politically, he is a Republican fo the stanch kind, so “votes the ticket spring and fall,” and has that confidence in the party which saved the Union, that it is still capable of administering its affairs. He is a member of the I. G. White Post No. 108, G. A. R., and feels happy in the wonderful growth and prosperity of the order. He is also a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor.

In 1867 Mr. Eichelberger was united in marriage with Miss Annie L. Essley, a native of Indiana, and daughter of W. L. Essley. By this union there have been three children, two now living – William L. and Bessie.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of D. J. Eichelberger, page 177.