For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 285
E. E. EICHELBERGER: Among the prosperous farmers of Muscatine county is E. E. Eichelberger, who owns five hundred and thirty-eight acres of land, which he acquired through the application of principles that lead to success in all legitimate industries. Born on the place where he now lives, March 14, 1866, he early became thoroughly acquainted with the details of farm work and management, and few men in Muscatine county have displayed better judgement in handling a business which calls for an alert mind and ability to direct others so as to produce the best results.Mr. Eichelberger is a son of Levi and Mary ( Ebersole ) Eichelberger, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. The father came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1844, but after several years returned to Pennsylvania. However he was again attracted west and early in the ' 50s he entered land in Muscatine county, and became one of its energetic farmers. He was called away July 10, 1906, his beloved wife having been summoned from earthly scenes August 24, 1895. They were laid to rest in Letts cemetery. There were twelve children in their family, ten of whom are now living: Galena, who became the wife of Isaiah Idle and departed this life November 4, 1897; Clay, now living at Boulder, Colorado; Henrietta, the wife of L. M. Cecil, of Muscatine county; Scott, deceased; Frank, of South Dakota; Priscilla, the wife of W.F. Hoffmeyer of Sioux City, Iowa; Irene, now Mrs. William Lake, of Lake township, Muscatine county; Winfield, of South Dakota; Alvira, the wife of J. C. Watts, of Muscatine county; Myra A., now Mrs. Chester Folmer, of Colorado; E. E., our subject and Lillie, the wife of H. B. Hoffmeyer, of Muscatine county.
The subject of this review was reared upon the home farm and received his education in the district schools. He continued with his parents until he reached manhood and then began farming upon his own account by renting land. By good management he was able about 1897 to purchase the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Seventy-six township. later he acquired one hundred and thirty-three acres on section 30, Lake township, and two hundred and forty acres on sections 32 and 33, the same township, all of which he has improved and brought to a high degree of cultivation. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, but makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock of all kinds, as he understands the markets and the grades of stock most in demand, he generally receives the best prices that are offered.
On the 27th of October, 1886, Mr. Eichelberger was united in marriage to Miss Elva V. Longstreth, a native of Muscatine county and a daughter of Oliver and Nancy ( Deweis ) Longstreth, both of whom are now deceased. They were the parents of nine children. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eichelberger, Frank E., Oliver Earl and Elva G., all of whom are at home. The mother of these children died October 6, 1894, and was buried in Letts cemetery. She was a woman of excellent qualities and won the friendship respect of all with whom she came in contact. On December 1, 1897, Mr. Eichelberger was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida Kate Walts, who was born in Muscatine county, and is a daughter of John G. and Louisa A. Walts, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. By his second marriage Mr. Eichelberger has two sons: Milton E., born may 21, 1899; and Levi Walts, December 9, 1904.
Mr. Eichelberger is a man of unusual determination and energy and one who generally carries to completion anything he undertakes. He is now in the midst of a useful career, which promises even larger results in the future than in the past. He is a supporter of the democratic party and, although he has never sought political office, he has served with credit as trustee of the township for two terms and also as member of the school board. Mrs. Eichelberger is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been a constant support to her husband in all undertakings, having for their aim the permanent welfare of those with whom they are associated.
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