Hancock County ILGenweb

Marion Calvin Eckles
Biography
Courtesy of LuAnn Goeke

Surnames: ECKLES, NICHOLS, BUSHNELL

Marion Calvin Eckles, a very successful general farmer and stockraiser of Durham Township, is one of the substantial men of Hancock County. He was born in Durham Township, November 29, 1884, a son of Americus and Frances (Nichols) Eckles, born in Hancock County. The paternal* grandfather, Joseph Nichols, was one of the very early settlers of this neighborhood. After their marriage, the parents settled in Durham Township, but later retired and now make their home at La Harpe.

Marion Calvin Eckles attended the district schools, Gittings Seminary of La Harpe, and one term at the Peoria Business College, following which he remained with his parents until he attained his majority. At that time, he entered the Farmers State Exchange Bank, at Dallas City, Ill. and remained for a time, leaving it to go on a farm his father owned in La Harpe Township, conducted that for eight years. He then moved to the homestead of over 300 acres, in Durham Township, where he is now carrying on general farming, and raising horses, cattle and hogs.

On February 28, 1919, Mr. Eckles was married at La Harpe, to Millie M. Bushnell, born at Blandinsville, Ill., Oct. 24, 1889, a daughter of Henry and Laura Bushnell. Mr. and Mrs. Eckles have had three children, namely: Francis, born December 15, 1911; Laura, born October 1, 1916; and Marion, who died March 2, 1918. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a notary public. A man of ability, he has turned his talents toward agriculture with very gratifying results, and just at present his efforts are especially valuable, for every man who has engaged in raising foodstuffs as he has, has done much for his country in her day of peril. - Pg 1191 - Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois & History of Hancock County, Vol. II, by Charles J. Scofield, Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois 1921

* Should say “maternal”.

 

Copyright 2007 Susan Cheney; all rights reserved.