Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

A well improved and highly cultivated farm of eighty acres, situated in Fairfield township, is the home of J. P. Eckman, who is a native son of the township, born on a farm, July 5, 1884, a son of Carl A. and Charlotte (Israel) Eckman, who were both natives of Sweden but were married in this country. The father was born August 26, 1846, and came as a young man of twenty-two years to the United States, the year 1868 witnessing his arrival here. He first located in Rockford, Illinois, and was there employed in various lines for a few months. In 1869 he came to Iowa and the following year purchased a wild tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acre situated in Fairfield township. He was one of the first settlers of this locality and with characteristic energy he undertook the task of developing a new farm. He added to his landed holdings from time to time until his possessions at one time embraced six hundred and forty acres but he has given to each of his children an eighty acre farm. He is still engaged in farming on the home place and is one of the most highly respected citizens of this part of Buena Vista county. the mother, who was born in Sweden, February 19, 1841, was married in Fort Dodge in 1871. She has become the mother of the following children:  Hulda, the wife of Louis E. Larson, whose sketch appears in this work; Emily, the wife of Gust Holmen, who is also mentioned on another page of this work; Olivia, who died at the age of six months; August, at home; Sophia, wife of J. P. Dolbeck; J. P., of this review; and Emma, who is still under the parental roof.

J. P. Eckman was reared on the home farm and under his father's training acquired a good knowledge of the practical methods of farming. When he reached mature years the father gave to him eighty acres of land, situated on section 11, Fairfield township, and here he is engaged in general farming. It is improved with good buildings, including a nice country home, while the land is rich and productive, annually yielding good harvests as a result of the care and labor bestowed upon the fields.

Mr. Eckman established a home of his own by his marriage on the 27th of June, 1906, to Miss Esther Olson, who was born in Pocahontas county, Iowa. They have become the parents of one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Eckman gives his political support to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Swedish Lutheran church. He is a young man of alert and enterprising spirit and he and his estimable wife are prominent in the social circles of their home locality.