SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

James Eckersley, Page 322

JAMES ECKERSLEY, one of the old settlers, came to Sheboygan County in 1850, and located in the town of Plymouth, two miles southeast of the city bearing that name.  He was born in Manchester Lancashire, England, May 29, 1819, and is a son of John and Hannah (Bancroft) Eckersley.

    Mr. Eckersley of this article was reared and educated in his native land.  When he had reached  a suitable age he learned a trade, and for some time was employed as an operator in a cotton factory of Manchester.

    On the 25th of December, 1843, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Shaw, a daughter of John Shaw.  Mrs. Eckersley was born December 24, 1822, in Yorkshire, England.  three years after his marriage, Mr. Eckersley emigrated to the United States, leaving his wife and child, who were to join him after he had located.  He was the first of his family to come to America.  Arriving in Rhode Island, he worked at his trade, and was there joined by his family, who came six months later.  After remaining there some four years, he removed, in 1850, to Sheboygan County, Wis., and located on a farm in the town of Plymouth.

    A family numbering eight children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Eckersley.  John, who was born in the Old Country, died at the age of twenty-five years; James, who married and had one child, was killed in a well September 24, 1879; William, who with his brother James was born in Rhode Island, died February 22, 1877; Charles was married to Eleanor Weekes, and resides in Plymouth; Edwin married, and now lives in South Dakota; Anthony died February 12, 2878; Ellen became the wife of William Guyett, of Sheboygan Falls; and Elizabeth is the wife of L. K. Howe, of Sheboygan, editor and publisher of the Sheboygan Herald.  The five last-named are natives of the State of Wisconsin.

    Mr. Eckersley lived on the farm until 1871, when he removed to Plymouth, where he had a comfortable home built.  In addition to his residence in that city, he owns and rents two dwellings.  Coming to this country a man of small means, Mr. Eckersley has accumulated property.  All that he has was made by the united efforts of himself and wife.  Honorable and industrious, he is highly esteemed and respected as a citizen and business man.