Daniel Eikenberry

Daniel Eikenberry, deceased, was for many years a prominent business man of southern Iowa, and a leading citizen of Chariton. His name is inseparably connected with the commercial history of this section of the State, for his business operations were very extensive and embraced several fields of labor.

A native of Union county, Indiana, he was born on the 25th of September, 1825, and was reared to manhood on a farm, receiving such educational advantages as the schools of that time afforded. When a young man he left the State of his nativity, emigrating to Iowa and taking up his residence in Monroe county, where he successfully engaged in farming and dealing in live stock until 1866, when he sold in interests in Monroe county and came to Lucas county. Soon after his arrival in Chariton he formed a partnership with G. J. Stewart, of this city, in a general stock, grain and lumber business, and for more than a quarter of a century this firm, under the name of Eikenberry & Company, was prominent in the business development of southern Iowa. Their commercial operations occupied an extensive field, as they had offices in Chariton, Indianola, Milo, Lacona, Derby, Russell and Pleasantville, Iowa. Their trade increasing, one after another these branch houses were established until their business had grown to immense proportions and they controlled a large share of the trade in their line in this part of the State. In addition to their other interests, they were the contractors for the building of the Lucas county court-house.

Mr. Eikenberry was also largely interested in farming and for many years an extensive dealer in live stock and one of the largest shippers in Southern Iowa. In his various business enterprises he was eminently successful and became one of the wealthy and substantial men of the county. His abilities were by no means limited to one line of trade, but he successfully conducted many, and his able management made each a profitable investment. In all his relations he was a model business man and conducted his affairs with a strong hand and clear judgment. He was moreover an honest man, meeting every obligation to the very letter, and while strict in the performance of duty himself, was exacting in requiring its observance in others; not a weak man to be trifled with, yet his sense of judgment was acute and profound. Strong, forceful and self-reliant, he was singularly unassuming in manner, kind-hearted and generous.

It is often the case with those who are strict in their business methods, that they are the most easily touched by a tale of distress or sorrow, and Mr. Eikenberry was ever quick to relieve the needy and afflicted if it lay in his power to do so. His aid however was quiet and unostentatiously given; he did not need the commendation of his fellow men for his acts of charity. Public-spirited and progressive, he took a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the public good. Politically he was a stanch supporter of Republican principles, but never sought political preferment for himself. Socially he was for many years an honored member of Chariton Lodge, No. 63, A. F. & A. M.

On the 17th of February, 1873, at Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Mr. Eikenberry was married to Miss Lizzie Jane Alexander, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Leidy)Alexander. To this union were born two children, Sarah and William. After a busy life of usefulness Mr. Eikenberry died at his home in Chariton on the 11th of October, 1893, leaving his family in the enjoyment of a handsome competence, which he acquired by industry, perseverance and business sagacity. Mrs. Eikenberry is a most estimable lady of culture and education, and her refined taste is manifest in the appointments of her beautiful home, over which she presides with grace, making all guests feel at ease. The household is the abode of hospitality and the many friends of the family are always sure to receive there a cheery welcome. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes an active interest in charitable and benevolent work, extending a helping hand to those in need of assistance.