William Chester Eckman served in the US Army during World War I. Today we honor him as we continue our National Military Appreciation Month. He registered for the draft in June 1917. He was single at that time, according to his Draft Registration. He served in the Army from 27 May 1918 to 20 January 1919. PFC Eckman was assigned to the Dep Brig Rec Detachment. He served in Co K 314 Inf WWI. William was born 20 February 1889 in Cochranville, Chester County, PA. His parents were Henry E. and Phoebe Ella (nee Fox) Eckman. The 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930 Censuses show William, still single, living in East Fallowfield with his parents and siblings. His siblings were Anna Lecritia (b. September 1891), George Henry (b. March 1898 ) and Jacob Derwood (b. 1903 ). Henry was 21 and Ella was 19 at the time of their marriage in 1888. Everyone was born in Pennsylvania. Ella does appear in the 1940 Census as a widow. None of the children live with her. Instead s...
by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman