DARKE COUNTY OHIO - BIOS: EIKENBERRY, A.L. (published 1900) ******************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this elec- tronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ******************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Jane Torres Jetorres@indiana.edu June 6, 1999 ******************************************************** A Biographical History of Darke County Ohio, published in Chicago by the Lewis Publishing Company, 1900. p. 548-549 A. L. EIKENBERRY The records of the lives of our forefathers are of interest to modern citizens not alone for their historical value, but also for the inspiration and example they afford. Yet we need not look to the past; although surroundings may differ, the essential conditions of human life are ever the same and man can learn from those around him if he will heed the obvious lessons contained in their history. Turning to the life record of A.L. Eikenberry, studying carefully the plans and methods he has followed, he will learn of splendid business and executive ability. He is a man of keen perception, of great sagacity and unbounded enterprise, and in addition is an excellent manager. He is today the senior partner of the firm of Eikenberry & Christopher, the proprietors of the Mozart department store at Greenville, Ohio. A native of Darke county, he was born in the vicinity of Palestine, April 11, 1857, and is a son of Dr. R. [this may be P.] L. Eikenberry, whose birth occurred in Preble county, Ohio, in 1837. The paternal grandfather, David Eikenberry, was a native of Virginia, and became one of the early settlers of the Buckeye state. He married Miss Hannah Cloyd, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Ohio. Dr. Eikenberry was reared to manhood under the parental roof, prepared for professional life and for many years was engaged in the practice of medicine in Preble county and western Ohio. He also practiced in Indiana for several years. In 1850 he married Catherine Gever [Geyer?], a native of Preble county and a daughter of George Geyer, who was born in Pennsylvania. To this union four children were born: Oscar B., of Eaton, Ohio; William H., of Greenville; Albert L., of this review, and Ida M., the wife of D.O. Christopher, of Greenville. A.L. Eikenberry, whose name introduces this record, spent his early boyhood days in Randolph county, Indiana, to which place his parents removed during his early boyhood. He acquired the rudiments of a common school education in the schools near his home, and completed his literary course in a select school. He then started out to make his own way in the world, and entered upon his business career in the capacity of clerk in a store in West Alexandria, Preble county, belonging to his brother, O.B. Eikenberry. There he remained in the capacity of salesman for eight years, at the end of which time he and David O. Christopher purchased the interest in his brother's store, which was then conducted under the firm name of Eikenberry & Christopher. This relationship was maintained for five years, on the expiration of which time they sold their interest, removing to Greenville in 1894, where they built, a fine brick block, which was totally destroyed by fire June 16, 1895. They immediately built in its place a large and substantial brick block, 66x165 feet, and three stories in eight, which is known as the Mozart store. The three floors and basement are all occupied by their goods, thus securing to them thirty thousand square feet of floor space. Their trade has steadily increased and they have constantly enlarged their facilities in order to meet the growing demand. They now employ from twenty-five to thirty-five persons, and not only enjoy a large local patronage but also ship their goods into all the counties in this part of the state. The stock is varied and well selected, including everything found in a first-class department store. In 1885 occurred the marriage of Mr. Eikenberry to Miss Alice Black, of West Alexandria, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph Black. She was born and reared in Preble county, and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, three daughters and two sons, namely: Joseph, Harley, Lorine, Juneita and Heldred. The family occupy an elegant residence, which is celebrated for its hospitality. The members of the household occupy a very enviable position in social circles, and have many friends in the community. Mr. Eikenberry belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and as a citizen is public-spirited and progressive, withholding his support from no measure or movement which he believes will prove of public good. He is very practical in his business methods, systematical and methodical, and at all times is perfectly reliable in his business transactions. For some years he has devoted his entire time, and concentrated all his energies, to the supervision of the active details of his business, and his has been the will to resolve, the understanding to direct and the hand to execute all of the various transactions. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged and he has contributed in a large measure to the commercial prosperity of Greenville.