IAGenWeb Project - Clayton co.


John Ecker
Mendon Twp.

John Ecker, Mayor of North McGregor, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, July 24,1841, a son of Dr. John Ecker and Katherine, nee Ihrig, natives of the Keystone State. He was partly educated in his native State, where he resided until about fifteen years old, when his parents came to Iowa, settling in West Union, Fayette County. His father engaged in the practice of his profession there until his death, which occurred in June, 1871. John attended school there until April 24, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Third Iowa Infantry, being among the first to offer himself to his country's cause. He served during the entire war, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., and discharged at Davenport, Ia., July 22, 1865. He enlisted as a private, was promoted to Chief Musician, and during the Atlanta campaign, to Sergeant-Major of the regiment, which finally became so reduced that they were ordered to consolidate with the Second Iowa, and Mr. Ecker was then promoted to Second Lieutenant. The Captain being on the Divison General's staff, and the First Lieutenant at home, sick, Mr. Ecker had charge of the company until the close of the war. He was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, on April 7, 1863; at the battle of Atlanta, on July 21, 1864, and again on July 22, 1864. At the close of the war he returned to West Uniion, and soon after entered the Commercial College of McGregor, where he remained one year. He then began work as a machinist in the C., M. & St. P. R. R. shops, where he is still employed. He was married Oct. 20, 1867, to Mary Gruver, of Ashland County, Ohio. They have six children-- Charles, Alta, Lena, Gerta, Mattie and Cretia. Mr. Ecker owns thirty-one acres of land in McGregor, chiefly laid out in town lots. He has held the offices of Recorder and Clerk, and in March, 1882, was called to that of Mayor. In politics he is decidedly Republican.

source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 976-977
transcribed by Sally Scarff and Marlene Chaney

 

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