Alfalfa County, OK - Obituary - William H. Eckes - e220


Submitted by: Gay Eckes gdeckes@ix.netcom.net 
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Source:  Helena News

Willaim H. ECKES came into this world on Nov. 23, 1848 in Weston, 
Lewis county, Virginia. While a boy he became a Christian and joined 
the Methodist Episcopal church.

Years passed and he grew to manhood in that interesting old country 
of Virginia. When he was 30 years old he moved to what was then the 
far-western state of Kansas, arriving there in 1878.

Four years later he realized that Kansas was not such a bad place in 
which to live, for in this new country he found a young woman by the 
name of Miss Mary IHRIG who won his heart and on Jan. 19, 1882 became 
his bride.They entered into this most joyous of relationships in Fall 
River, Kansas.

To this happy couple God gave a baby boy by the name of Frank and 
later twins whom they called Charlie and Minnie.

Now it was not long until news reached this young family of a still 
better country and a place where land could be obtained for only a 
little more than the running. So Mr. Eckes decided to make the race 
into the Cherokee Strip opening, and on the following April 10, 1894 
he brought his family to the land that became for them the Eckes farm. 
It was located two and one- half miles southeast of Helena. On this 
place the Eckes built their home and reared their family.

After their own children were grown and away from home, Mr. and Mrs. 
Eckes took into their family four other children to rear; two boys and 
two girls.

In 1900 Mr. Eckes joined the Free Methodist church, to which he gave his 
life, liberally of his means, and continuously of his prayers. The 
religion of Jesus Christ was vital to his life, and in his later years 
he said, "My religion grows stronger and brighter to me as the years 
pass, and that Bible has a lot of comfort in it for me." He was truly 
a pioneer in every sense of the word, being a builder of home, church 
and community. Today we witness the passing of a man that has lived a 
very colorful life. He has made a large contribution to our country and 
community, in the 48 years that he has lived here. Now he has gone to 
claim a mansion in that city whose foundations, whose builder and 
maker is God. 


Funeral services were held in the Helena Methodist church on Sunday, 
Jan. 26. Rev. E.E. Holmberg, pastor, conducted the service, with Rev. 
R.A. Haskins, Free Methodist pastor of Carmen, bringing the sermon. 
Burial was in Good Hope cemetery. Pallbearers were D.S. VANWYE, Fred 
LIEBRAND, Ray CATON, W.T. WERNER, P.A. KLINE and Clyde WICKER.

Music was furnished by a mixed double quartet ... Hymns used were 
"The Old Rugged Cross," "When They Ring the Golden Bells," And "Abide 
With Me."

Submitters Note: Willaim H. ECKES died 23 January 1923, in Helena, 
Alfalfa Co., OK. On the back of his obituary is a portion of the 
newspaper's masthead and date: "ena S" and "Thursday, February 6, 19"