ECKMAN
ECKMAN. The Eckmans are justly numbered among those substantial residents of Armstrong county thoroughly representative of the best class. This family was founded in Pennsylvania early in the history of the colony, and its various members assisted in the development of the mighty Commonwealth. The earlier way of spelling the name was �Eakman�, but for several generations the present spelling has been used.John Eckman, grandfather of D. L. and A. A. Eckman, was a farmer of Burrell township, this county, for many years. Later he removed to near Rural Valley, where he died when only forty-four years old. He married Mary Wagner, who passed away aged thirty-five years. Their children were: Anthony, who is living in Burrell township; Joseph, living in the same township; Catherine, deceased, who married Isaac Shall; Jane, who married Hiram Shall; Mary Ann, who died young; Samuel, deceased; and John.
John Eckman, son of John Eckman, and father of David L. and A. A. Eckman, was born near Rural Valley May 28, 1845. He worked on farms by the day and until his marriage, after which he located in Indiana county, where he worked by the day in North Mahoning township. In 1867 he married Angelina Carley, daughter of David and Nancy (Travis) Carley. Their children were: Jane, who died young; David L., Albert A.; John, who is deceased; Nannie, deceased, who was the wife of Byram Bush; Mary, who married Samule Lunger, living at North Point; and Ford, who died young.
Albert A. Eckman, member of the firm of Eckman Bros., contractors and builders of Dayton, Pa., was born in Indiana county Dec. 21, 1875. Growing up in his native county, he attended public school, and when still a boy went into the lumber districts where he was employed for some time. Following this he was engaged at the coal mines thus continuing until 1891, when he and his brother David L. Eckman formed a partnership under the name of Eckman Bros., at Dayton, where they carry on a general contracting business. They have put up all of the best residences of the borough, built since the formation of their firm, and in 1905 completed the fine school building that is a credit to the town and their work. They also deal in rough and dressed lumber, sash, shingles, doors, lathe, slate and plaster. The office and yards of Eckman Bros. are conveniently located opposite the railroad station. Their lumber business was established in 1907, the demand for the class of material they handle having grown sufficiently large to justify them in branching out, and the volume of their business testifies to their good judgment in so doing. A. A. Eckman attends to the inside business of the firm, the senior member being the outside man.
Albert A. Eckman was united in marriage with Margaret M. Champion, and they have children as follows: Alverta, Mary, Elva, Lillie, Violet and Frances. While Mr. Eckman is a Republican, he has never taken an part in public life, his attention being centered upon his business.
David L. Eckman, of the firm of Eckman Bros., Dayton, Pa., was born in Indiana county, Pa., Sept. 6, 1870. He attended public school in his native county, and worked on the farm, learning there habits of thrift and industry. Like his brother he worked in the lumber districts, remaining there for five years. He then learned the carpenter's trade in Indiana county, and has since been putting into practical use his knowledge of this line of work. The personal supervision which Mr. Eckman has over all the contracts of his firm insures conscientious carrying out of agreement, and excellent quality of work and material. Both he and his brother are estimable young men, thoroughly interested in their business and the welfare of their community.
David L. Eckman married Nana N. Wadding, daughter of John H. Wadding. Mrs. and Mrs. Eckman have had the following children: Zelda P.; Virginia R., who died in infancy; Edna Margaret; Walter L.; Trela Irene, and Orphy V. Mr. Eckman is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Maccabee, but like his brother has few interests outside his business and family life.
John H. Wadding, father of Mrs. D. L. Eckman, is a son of John Wadding, who was a resident of Armstrong county for many years, but died in Indiana county at the extreme old age of ninety-eight years. John H. Wadding was born in 1840, and grew up a farmer. He served his country during the Civil war, as a volunteer in Company A, 78th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was in service for three years and two months. He participated in several of the important battles of the war, and was a brave and valiant soldier. Residing at Dayton at present, he is numbered among the substantial men of his locality, and is an enthusiastic member of J. Ed. Turk Post, No. 321, G. A. R., of which he is a past commander.
Mr. Wadding married Jennie R. Long, a daughter of Tobias Long, and they had the following family: Curtis A.; Minnie C.; Joseph F.; Erastus P.; Anna P.; Emma B.; Nana N.; Myrtle J. (who died when young), and Charles B.
Both the Eckman and Wadding families are well known in Armstrong and Indiana counties. It is interesting to go back in the records of these families which extend so far back into the past, and see in the rising generations the same excellent traits of character which have marked the early generations and given them a definite place in the several communities to which business interests or personal considerations have taken them.
Source: Pages 638-639, Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and Present, J.H. Beers & Co., 1914
Transcribed September 2001 by Lynn Beatty for the Armstrong County Beers Project
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