Eck, Jacob P. (1864-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Nov 8 p. 3

Birth date: 1864 June 6

text of obituary:

Jacob P. Eck

Jacob P. Eck was born June 6, 1864, to Peter and Nettie Unruh Eck, in the village of Karlswalde, Poland. He passed away Sept. 29, 1945. As a boy of 16 years he migrated with his parents to the Russian Turkestan in Asia. In his 21st year, his parents with the family emigrated to the United States, arriving in Newton, Kansas, in the fall of 1884. They made their home during the first few years in the Lonetree community, near Moundridge, Kansas.

In February, 1889, he was united in marriage with Nettie Siebert, and they settled on a farm in Marion county, near Alvin, Kansas. Twelve children were born to this union; three preceding father in death in their infancy.

The rigors of pioneer life on the virgin prairies of Kansas left him broken in health, causing him to seek various climates in the hope of regaining his health. Twelve years ago he came to Winton, Calif., where he established his home. He liked this region and felt at home here.

In his early youth he joined the First Mennonite Church at Winton remaining a faithful member until his death. He experienced many a soul struggle, during which he often plead with the Lord to show him the true way. We, who remain to carry on, have the assurance that he was victorious in death and that he now is resting in the Lord.

Those who mourn his departure are nine children: Lydia Cooper, Salt Lake City, Utah; Eli Y. Eck, Needles, Calif., David J. Eck, Colton, Calif., Hulda Cleland, Santa Rosa, Calif., Martha Reiswig, Camarillo, Calif., Emma Friesen, Bakersfield; Mary Mosiman, Reedley, Calif.; Ann Compton, Bakersfield; Nettie Sweeney, Ceres, Calif.; fourteen grandchildren, three great-grandsons; two brothers, Benjamin Eck, Healdsburg, Calif., and Peter Eck of Ringwood, Okla.; a host of other relatives and friends.

Life! We've been long together
Through pleasant and cloudy weather
'Tis hard to part when friends are dear
Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh or tear,
The steal away, give little warning,
Choose thine own time;
Say not "Good night," but in some brighter clime
Bid us "good morning."

Funeral services were held from the First Mennonite Church of Winton, Claif., Oct. 3, with Rev. Glanzer officiating. Interment was in the Winton cemetery. — The children. l i