JOHN ECKEL

Among the farmers of Nemaha county whose enterprising efforts have enabled them to reach the goal of prosperity is John Eckel, who resides on section 6, Richmond township, and who has been a resident of this locality for thirty years. He was born in Vejvanov, Germany, October 5, 1845, and there spent his boyhood days, devoting his energies to mining and the study of music. In 1869 he determined to try his fortune in America, having received very favorable reports of the privileges and advantages there afforded young men. Accordingly he crossed the Atlantic and after three months passed in St. Joseph, Missouri, he came to Nemaha county, where he has since made his home. His capital was very limited at the time and that his career has been one of industry and enterprise is indicated by the fact that he is to-day the possessor of a farm of two hundred and seventeen acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and yields to him rich returns for his labor.

On the 12th of June, 1871. Mr. Eckel was united in marriage, in Seneca, Kansas, to Miss Josephine Hangel, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1869. They have four children: Mary, the wife of Henry Fangman, of Nemaha township, Sophia, Frank and Joe, -- all natives of this locality. Mr. Eckel and his family attend St. Mary's Catholic church at St. Benedict and he has aided in building the house of worship and other church institutions at that place. His life has been quietly passed, yet he manifests in his career those sterling qualities which everywhere command the respect of all.