Tombstone Tuesday: Darius J Eckman, from coal dealer to city collector

His stone is a simple one. It reads: “Father. Darius J Eckman. 1870 – 1944.” He is buried alongside his wife, Ella, at the Zion UCC Cemetery is New Providence, Lancaster County. Many of his family are buried there.

He was born 14 September 1870 in Strasburg Township, Lancaster County to John Henry and Catherine Kezia Cresswell Eckman (hubby's 3x great grandparents). He married Ella M. Doner in 1897. They had three children: Esther, Charles, and Paul.

The family lived on Mary Street in Lancaster City, where Darius was a coal dealer for many years. Sometime between 1920 and 1930, he became a collector for the City Treasurer’s Office and the family moved to James Street. Esther has moved out on her own at this point.

His death certificate simply states his occupation as retired. He died on 15 March 1944 of cardiac dilatation. That was due to coronary disease for four years due to hypertensive heart disease for 12 years. He was buried five days later.

Tombstone Tuesday is a genealogical prompt of GeneaBloggers.

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