H. C. Eschbach

page 167

During a residence at Albia of some fourteen years, the gentleman above named has impressed himself quite favorably upon the community both as a man and a physician. Before coming from the east he obtained an excellent education, both literary and professional, and this has been so improved upon by subsequent study and observation, to say nothing of his practical experience, that it may truthfully be said that Dr. Eschbach is now one of the best informed men in his profession. If proof of this were needed, it is furnished by the fact of his membership in so many prominent medical associations, and the active part he takes in their deliberations.

Dr. Eschbach’s grandparents were natives of the German Palatinate and after their emigration to the United States located in Pennsylvania, where they spent the remainder of their days. The Doctor’s parents were David and Sarah Eschbach, both natives of Pennsylvania, who spent their lives in agricultural pursuits, and died at the respective ages of seventy-eight and sixty-nine years. They had eight children, of whom four are living.

H. C. Eschbach, one of the younger of his father’s surviving children, was born October 23, 1856, in that part of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, known as “Paradise.” He was reared on the farm, and in addition to the attendance at the public school had the benefit of courses at the Limestoneville and Turbutville Academies, and Franklin and Marshall Colleges at Lancaster. He was graduated at the last mentioned institution in 1880 and shortly after entered the medical department of the Pennsylvania University, where he was graduated with the class of 1883. Equipped with a diploma from the famous college, Dr. Eschbach turned his face toward the setting sun and sought in the boundless west opportunities for rising in the profession he had chosen for his life’s work.

He located first at Des Moines, where he practiced two years, and from there went to Monroe the capital of Jasper county. Three years were devoted to practice at this place and in January, 1888, Dr. Eschbach selected what proved to be his final location at Albia and here has remained up to the present time in general practice as a physician and a surgeon. He is an esteemed member of nearly all of the more prominent organizations devoted to the advancement or the promotion of the welfare of individual practitioners. Included in this last are the Des Moines and Iowa State Medical Association, and the Tri-State Medical Association.

Dr. Eschbach is surgeon for the Iowa Central Railroad Company, and his professional work in that position has given entire satisfaction to his employers. In 1892 Dr. Eschbach was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Coe, by whom he has three children. He holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is as popular in social circles as he is esteemed in the professional world.