Hon. Boyd H. McEckron

In casting about for a man or a personality worthy to extol, we do not find any whose praises are more in evidence than those of his friends and fellow citizens of the late B. H. McEckron. It is often when the recipient "has crossed the divide" that we realize that his name is a household word. but Mr. McEckron's pathway was smoothed by many appreciative utterances, while his name will go down to posterity as one of those early settlers who contributed largely to every good cause, was ever on the side of right and justice, and taking an intelligent interest in his town, his county and his state. He was a valuable member of the legislature. A more staunch Republican, a truer man, a more worthy citizen could not be found.

Mr. McEckron was born June 17, 1834, in Hebron, Washington county, New York. He was a son of A. S. McEckron, who was born in 1800. He was originally a woolen goods manufacturer and later a farmer. In 1876, having retired from active business life, he visited Kansas. His death occurred in 1880. Mr. McEckron's paternal grandfather, Jacob McEckron, was a soldier in the American struggle for freedom. His mother, Anna (Donoldson) McEckron, was born in 1800 and died July 2, 1861, and was buried on the Fourth of July. She was a quiet, unostentatious and conscientious woman. Both parents were devoted members of the Presbyterian church.

B. H. McEckron was educated in Delaware Academy, Delhi, New York, receiving a thorough education in the higher English branches, in French and the sciences. Before entering the academy he had nearly learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he pursued for several years during the summer, but followed the profession of teaching school during the winter. From 1866 to '68 he was engaged as bookkeeper and foreman for D. A. Goodyear, a lumber dealer at Portage City, Wisconsin. In February, 1868, he paid a visit to his native home in New York, shortly afterward removing to Kansas-and homesteaded land in the Republican valley, near Ames, in Cloud county, where he lived until 1874.

He was married April 16, 1864, to Miss Adaline M. Parmenter, of Randolph, Wisconsin, who was a native of Niagara county, New York. Mrs. McEckron was born April 22, 1842, and died in February, 1897. Mr. McEckron died one year later, July, 1898. Three. children, who survive them, were born to this union: George M., Maud and Alex S.

In 1881 Mr. McEckron bought an interest in the Palace drug store. In 1883 he assumed entire control, buying his partner's interest, and continued in the business until his death.

Source: Biographical history of Cloud County, Kansas: biographies of representative citizens; published 1903, 915 pgs.

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