My Genealogy Hound

ABRAM ECKERT, Superintendent of the Bangor Excelsior Slate Company, is a native of Northampton County, born in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, August 8, 1845. The family of which he is a member has resided in Northampton County — principally in the upper part — for several generations. His grandfather, Abram Eckert, followed the occupation of an agriculturist until his death; his body lies buried in the Centreville Cemetery. George Eckert, our subject’s father, was born on the old homestead, where he grew to manhood and began his chosen occupation, that of agriculture. He was a man of upright character, unflinching integrity and great perseverance, and at his death, left not only a comfortable property to his heirs, but also the heritage of an honored and honorable life. With others of the family who have passed away, his remains repose in the Centreville Cemetery. In politics he adhered to the principles that have guided the Republican party in all its movements. His membership religiously was in the Lutheran Church.

Unto George and Sarah (Muffley) Eckert were born eight children, namely: Katharine A., widow of John Slack; Abram, the subject of this article; Belinda, who married Obadiah Oyer; Emma, wife of Thomas E. Lockard; John M.; Hiram, who enlisted in the army during the late war, took part in the Seven Days’ battle, and afterward died of typhoid fever; Isaac Franklin and Josiah, deceased. Abram was reared upon the old homestead and passed his youthful years in a manner similar to other farmer lads, attending school during the winter seasons when work on the farm was impossible. Occupied in farm work until he was twenty-three, he then began to learn the carpenter’s trade, which he followed about five years.

In 1872 Mr. Eckert commenced to work in the slate quarries, and after a time took charge of an engine. He then became quarry boss in the Bangor Union, where he remained for a period of sixteen years. At the expiration of this time he entered the employ of the North Bangor Company as Superintendent, remaining thus engaged for two years. We next find him in Vermont similarly occupied, but after a sojourn of a few months in the Green Mountain State, he returned to Bangor and entered the employ of the Bangor Excelsior Slate Company, of which he is the present Superintendent, having charge of everything outside of the pit. The quarry is owned by the heirs of the late John Brown, and is one of the best in this part of the state.

In the Republican party Mr. Eckert is an influential worker, and upon its ticket he has been elected to numerous offices of trust. For a year he was Chief Burgess and for three years has served as Councilman. A member of the Lutheran Church, he has served as an Elder of the congregation at Bangor. Socially he affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, the Royal Arcanum, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and Senior Order United American Mechanics. His marriage, July 2, 1870, united him with Miss Cecilia, daughter of Michael D. Gruver, of Washington Township. Two children bless the union, both daughters: Lillie R., wife of John Young, of Bangor; and Laura M., who is with her parents.