John Young Eckman- Pioneer Photos Yuma Co, CO

In 1860 Knox County there's S. Eckman, 40, with Mary 35, John 10, Frank 5, Eldrige 4, Bessy 3, and Jas. 1

. In 1870 he was living with parents Samuel and Elizabeth in Knox County, Illinois. John is 18, Frank 15, Edward R. 11, Sarah 9, and Lillie M 4.

On February 20, 1872 in Knox County John married Lorenta Schwerdt. 37 , born in Ohio.

Has to be the Lorinda Schwerdt who in 1860 is in Mahoning County, Ohio, daughter of John, In 1870 they're SCHWART in Knox County, - and Solomon is 20, Lorinda 17, George 8, Sarah A 5, Frank A 2

Solomon, of Roseville, Illinois, patented a spring-loaded "stirrup" in a movable-jaw wrench, with corresponding grooves in the jaw and notches in the main shank. - here's the photo

John Schwerdt Feb 10, 1823 - Feb 3, 1892 and Freadrica Schwerdt Apr 5, 1824 - Feb 23, 1894 are in the Knoxville Cemetery

George Schwerdt, with the same style of tombstone, is also there Oct 20, 1861 - July 10, 1897.

Frank is probably the one in Knox County in 1900 It says born 1868, but age ONE - and on the next page is Flora, married, age 21. John Schwerdt, 76 is the head.

One Ancestry tree says Frank A Schwerdt married Flora Butt in Knox County July 17, 1895

In 1880 Knox County John is married to Lorinda, - both are 27, and they have Clara B. 7. Brother Frank Eckman is with them.

In February 1906 John told the Wray Rattler that "it is nearly twenty years since he unloaded his car of goods at this place and headed them to his ranch north of Yuma. We were favored by a pleasant call from the gentleman." that would be 1886....

He claimed two quarters in 5N 46 W, section 7 for cash in 1890 and one in 1899 on a "tree claim".

E.P "Perk" Salvador said that John Eckman was a good fiddler, and played at many social events in the neighborhood.

So it's not surprising that the very first Old Settlers Day was held at John's ranch in 1888, according to the Eckley Centennial book,.

From an article by J. G. Lett "In Those Days"
John Y. Eckman was also a blacksmith 'of credit and renown.' As, in Longfellow's "Village Blacksmith" children paused at the smithy door to watch the flying sparks and 'hear the bellows roar.' It was a treat, at John Y's blacksmith shop, to listen to the roar of his old-fashioned leather-lunged bellows - the largest I ever saw, and to marvel at his skillful manipulation of any article of iron or steel that his customers might desire repaired, reshaped or re-made. He would put a new point on a lister lay or a plowshare, and shape it up to look as if it had just left the factory. He would weld together the parts of a broken article so skilfully that it was impossible to discern the point of juncture. He would weld a broken spring, and restore its original resilience. And he could temper a cutting tool of any kind to a degree of perfection equaling, or surpassing, its original condition. He took pride in his work, and nothing left his hands until it was in perfect condition. John Y. had one characteristic that sometimes proved exasperating to his patrons; it mattered not how urgent the need for speed, he always took his own sweet time to the task. And it mattered no how early you arrived - there was usually some reason for delay; he had some previous, but unfinsihed job that required but a few minutes, and must be completed before "the feller comes, and ketches me workin' on somebody else' job." Or, he had some of his morning chores yet unfinished. (He farmed, milked a few cows, raised a few hogs, etc.) And then his old black pipe must be carefully primed and ignited; his forge refueled and extirpated (And he damned the poor quality of the blacksmith coal to be obtained "nowadays."_ Then he attacked your job with vigor, and after each article had been heated to just the right degree, hammered, drawn and otherwise shaped, brouight it at last to a consumnation, of absolute perfection. And all the while he kept up a running fire of comment and conversation - detailing the latest news, the newest story, comic or risque; or the latest joke, perpetrated at his own expense or that of one of his friends. The work completed and a modest fee assessed, he insisted that you accompany him to the house to "meet the missus" who by that time had dinner almost ready; and who would be quite offended if you refused to stay and share it with them. So, there was nothing to do but stay. And, dinner over, John Y. brought forth an odd musical instrument - I believe he called it a a harmonograph - a small reed organ, played by turning a crank that operated a bellows, forcing air through the perforations in a long - and broad- paoper tape that moved across the reeds to sound the proper notes. Then he told a few more stories and played a few jigs and reels on his fiddle - and by that time the greater part of the afternoon was spent - and your hurry had evaporated.

John Y. had a brother whose home was in eastern Kansas, and who came one time to visit. Introducing him, John Y. solemnly averred that the residents of that particular section of the Sunflower State were known as "the Sorghum Lappers." This odd sobriquet he explained as follows: These Sorghum Lappers have a propensity for the propagation of large families - ten to fourteen children being not unusual. On the arrival of the first-born, the proud young father grabs his axe and hastens into the timber. Soon, he returns dragging a large and long log, which he proceeds to flatten and smooth carefully on one side. This is known as the Family Log. Next he scoops out a round, bowl-like depression near one end of the flattened side of the log. WHen the young-un' has arrived at the creeping stage, Pa picks it up with one hand, grabs the 'lasses jug' in the other - and carries them out to the log. Pouring a generous dollup of sorgum into the depression, he places the bouncing babe on its hands and knees and encourages it to lap up the 'lasses with its little tongue. As each additional child arrives at the creeping age, one more hole is scooped out on the flat side of the log. In this way those large families are nurtured and reared; that is why they are known as Sorghum Lappers.

My brother Sam Lett owned one of the few automobiles in circulation at that time. Starting early one morning, he took John Y. and the visiting brother on a tour of the principal points of interest to the north and west. They ate breakfast in a Haxtun cafe, ordering cakes and bacon. Bringing a large pitcher of syrup, by fortuitious happenstance the waitress planked it down immediately in front of the visiting brouther; and John Y., as he winked expressively, exclaimed., "See, she could tell he was a Sorghum Lapper."

John Y. took the chaffing good-naturedly when, as sometimes happened, it came his way. An enterprising Patent Medicine COmpany at one time flooded the mails with sample packages ofa 'Little Liver Pill' designed to cure of relieve all ailments of the liver, badder, kidneys; in fact, if taken as directed and in sufficient quantity, any aflliction, from baldnes to ingrowing toenails, was macically relieved or expurgated. These pills, really quite innocuous in their general effect, were imbued, possibly for psychological effect, with a certain chemical that affected quite startingly the color of fluid excretions of the user, producing shades of blue, green, violet - all the colords of the spectrum in brilliant array. These samples were distributed generously to all users of the mails. I don't think anyone was overlooked. And, as it is a trait of human nature to partake of anything at is offered free i- especially if it is something in the nature of a medicament; most recipients partook of the samples in accordance with the accompanying diretions - and were quite impressed by the rainbow-like effect. There were a few who did not associate this startling phonomena with the pills they had swallowed - and some of those became quite alarmed, frightened, apprehensive. And John Y. Eckman was one of these. Hehurried to inform my brother Sam that there was somthing very seriously amiss, and begged to be taken immediately to Holyoke to consult his favorite medical advisor, Doctor Smith. After a thorough examination, the doctor declared that he could find nothing wrong, then questioned him as to what he had been eating. After much cogitation, John Y. remembered the Little Liver Pills, and the mystery was solved - and his fears allayed. But he was never permitted to forget the episode of the Rainbow Pills.

For three or four years the Old Settlers Picnic was held annually at the Eckman farm. Then, at John Y's suggestion, it was decided to hold the meetings at a different place each year. I cannot recall the different location at which it was celebrated before being finally, and permanently, established at the town of Eckley - where it is still an annual event. However, I do remember that we met one year at the M.W. Haver ranch a few miles northwest of Eckley, the featured attraction on that day's program was a piano recital by a man named Earnest W. Bugbee - a rendition of 'The Mocking Bird' that held the listeners spellbound. I have heard a few famous pianists in my time, but never one to equal, or even approach, the beauty of that performance. Earnest Bugbee was then the husband of that Lillian E. who, later, devastated the life of Earnest E. Fletcher, as so poignantly set forth in his personal saga, "The Wayward Horseman." At that time the Bugbees sojourned in Yuma, staying at the Commercial Hotel which was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Buell and their son, Jimmy. There, I was informed, Lillian engaged in 'pearl diving' (dish washing) and other household chores to defray the cost of their board and lodging; while Ernest D., it is said, engaged in activities little more constructive than riffling the pasteboards, and lending support to Willis in a long range progarm - building up an anticipatory immunity to the hazards of snakebite., For their other entertainment, the Bugbees "fought like cats and dogs." I met the lady one time while there, and while she had rather comely features, I could not see that sirenic beauty that Ernest Fletcher describes and by which he was held enthralled. But, tastes vary, and I was several years younger than he - which sometimes makes a difference. Ernest D. Bugbee, as a piano player, was without peer.
(In 1900 Yuma, Willis "Buel" is a carpenter born April 1846 in New York, married 32 years to Helen E. July 1849 Michgan, with James E. NMar 1870 Michigan.
1904

Helen E. (Skinner) Buell died 1906, and is buried in Yuma # 48448557.
Willis E. Buel married Anna Stumke in Denver December 17, 1906.
Annie Buel divorced Willis E. Buel in 1910 in Yuma County.
Willis Edman Buell died 1911, and is buried in Yuma # 48448558.

Anna M. Buell's estate was probated in Denver in 1928.

But, to return again to 1890. The continuing drouth and pitiless winds of that disheartening year brought the crops to an untimely end. Day after day dragged on without a relieving shower, as weary watchers looked longingly to the west; despairingly appraising each small cloud that appeared on the bleak horizon - appeared and disappeared. Many were the orisons offered up by those who hoped for divine interposition. There was no rain. There was a song - a mournful parody on "Sweet Beulah Land" that went something like this:
Sweet Colorado Land ! Sweet Colorado Land!
'Tis on the highest mountain chain,
Where you can look across the plain,
And wonder if it's going to rain,"Till Gabriel doth his trumpet sound,
And says, "The days have all passed 'round."

But there were sad times - Clara B. Eckman, born September 17, 1872, died November 10, 1889, and was buried in the Jarvis Cemetery a few miles northeast of the ranch.

In 1899 "J. Y. Eckman proved up on his tree claim before District Clerk McKean Saturday."

In 1900 Magee Precinct J.Y. Eckman was an election judge, along with J.P. Pesch and B . Holder. O.H. Johnson and Susie L. Pesch were clerks. J.Y. got $2.50 extra for a day returning election returns, and $3.60 for eighteen miles travel returning election returns.

In 1900 Denver is a strange entry. On Larimer Street is a George Davidson, with no age, places of birth, or occupation. Goldie L, daughter Nov 1883 in Iowa; Glennie March 1886 in Iowa, Buell, September 1891 in Iowa, and Stella G. June 1893 Colorado are listed with him. This has to be the Buelle and Stella with John in 1910.

(George 29 and Elizabeth 18 Davidson are in 1885 Dallas, Perry, Iowa, with year-old Goldie George might be the George W. Davidson in 1880 Las Vegas, New Mexico (on the Santa Fe Trail) - a teamster.

Almost certainly she's the Elizabeth C. Buel in Story County Iowa,. three years old in 1870, with parents Joseph Buel, 41, a brick mason born in France , and Rosena 36 born in New York and sister Mary 8. Mary and Elizabeth were both born in Iowa.

In 1860 George W. was in DeKalb County, Missouri, 5, with parents David R. and Martha A. Davidson

Elizabeth C. Buell married G A. Davidson December 30, 1882 in Story County Iowa. Her parents were Joseph RUELL and Roxanna Bennett. His parents were Joseph W. Davidson and Louisa Watkins.

Wray 1899 "Mrs. Davidson mother of Chas. Shields is the guest of her son and daughter-in-law this week."

At a meeting of Wray Camp, M.W.A. held Saturday night, the following resolutions were ordered:

Whereas, the Divine Venerable Council has seen fit to call from the home of Neighbor G.B. Cox their baby, which lately came to them; therefore be it

Resolved, that the condolence of Wray camp, No 3953, M.W.A., be extended to Neighbor Cox and his wife, and that a word of hope for a reunion with the little one in the heavenly house be given them. That these resolutions be put on record, and a copy be furnished thebereaved family; also that they be printed in the Wray Rattler.

Lamar, Colo, July 26. - A startling sensation was created here today by the arrest of J.C. Brandenburg, a prominent married man. He is charged with criminal assault on 15-year-old Goldie Davodson (sic). The alleged assault was committed in January but not discovered until when the girl's condition began to grow serious. The man denies the charge. He is related by marriage in the Davidson family.

In Wray 1906 George might the one running the Emigrant Barn - Feeding and Draying - McKee & Davidson

A Joseph Brandenburg is a stock raiser near Yuma in 1900 - He had proved up a quarter on a homestead in 1898, and a quarter on a tree claim in the same section in 1901. Divorced, 42, with Anna and Clara young daughters, born Switzerland. In 1910 he's remarried, and is out in Washington County, Oregon.

Clara had married Rodney Rogers, who was born about 1895 in Kansas, and they're in Chicago in 1930. Rodney is a radio broadcaster.

Stella Sheridan Hutt was born June 27, 1893 at Lamar and passed away at Prairie Vista Care Center February 6, 1987. She and her husband donated the land on which the Care Center is built.

Stella is the daughter of George and Elizabeth Buelle Davidson, the youngest of four children. Her parents came from Iowa to Lamar in 1890 where they operated a general mercantile store. She attended school in Lamar and also in Yuma County.

In Holyoke on November 23, 1910 Stella Davidson married Charles B. Sheridan. They became the parents of two girls and one boy. Stella and her groom went to Yuma County where they homesteaded 160 acres. From this small beginning they built a widely known Hereford ranch of extensive holdings. She was a true partner in this endeavor. It has been said that Stella preferred working outdoors to staying in the house. Her interests were primarily the ranch activities, fishing, needlework and her devotion to the Methodist Church.

Mr. Sheridan passed away in May 1970. In December 1971 she married Gene V. Hutt, who also preceded her in death. Mrs. Hutt was also preceded in death by her parents, her son Clarence, her daughter Helen Ferguson (Mrs. Frank), her brother Buelle and her two sisters, Gladys and Leona.

She is survived by her daughter, Mayme Sheridan Preston of Phoenix, Arizona, her grandson and wife Bill and April Ferguson of Sterling, her granddaughter and husband Ruth and Phillip Bassist of Idaho Springs, four great grandchildren, many relatives and friends.

Services were held Tuesday, February 19, 1987 at the Holyoke United Methodist Church with Rev. Don Sperber of Broomfield conducting the services. Interment was at Holyoke Memorial park. Thompson Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

In 1920 Charles R. and Stella S. Sheridan, with Hellana 8 and Mamie S. ten-months are in Phillips County.

They're still in Phillips County in 1930, with Mame 11. Helen must have married Frank Ferguson during that time.

One Ancestry tree asserts that LEONA Davidson born November 21 1883 in Iowa married Rhea Kenneth MacGregor, that they were in Denver in 1910, 1920, and 1930, and moved to Seattle

In 1902 "John Y. Eckman and little son of Bryant were in our town on business Tuesday and Wednesday." So Buelle must have been living with them.

In September 1905 "A brother to Mrs. John Y. Eckman is visiting at the Eckman ranch near Bryant"

In 1905 John was on the delinquent tax list for the northeast of section 7, and Rinda for 160 acres west and southwest of that.

He was a juror in the 1906 trial of Van Wycks for the murder of Miss Haast last December. Also on the jury was W.F. Elliott, W. B. McNichols, and Albert Petrie (all three from the Bryant area).

In 1910 John and Rinda have Buelle, 19, Stella 17 and even a servant Stella said she was born in Colorado.

The Jarvis cemetery records have an Emily Eckman and a Charles Eckman - no dates on either - in the same plot.

In April 1911 W. A. McNichols, Matt Dickson and B.M. Wear, Jr., attended the funeral of Mrs. J.Y. Eckman, in the north part of the county, Sunday. Mrs. Eckman was a pioneer of this county, having resided here for thirty years."

September 29, 1911 "Notice is hereby given of the change of name of Buelle Floyd Dividson to Buelle Floyd Eckman, by order of the County Court, Yuma County."

In 1910 Ora Joslin, newly arrived in Holyoke, wrote "Have seen several of the men that live near there (their claim by Wages) but none of the women except the one I saw yesterday. She said she should come over and see me. they both seemed very nice and old-fashioned and about our age. Have a boy 19 and a girl 16, both adopted and brother and sister. The man asked her if she had got anything for their children. Their name is Eckman."

March 28, 1913 "John Y. Eckman, of the north part of the county, was married last week to a Mrs. Wilson, of Lincoln, Nebr. They arrived in Yuma Monday evening."

In May 1914 "Mr. and Mrs. John Y. Eckman, from the Bryant country...." So they were still in Yuma County

In October 1916 Mrs. Joslin - living near Wages, wrote "I went to "Aid" Wedensday. Pa went with me. It was at Mrs. Eckman's, about ten miles from here. It was a fine day and we had a nice time. Just as dinner was over, 4 "politicions" drove in, but they had been to dinner. They came in and helped us tie comfortables a while, treated us to candy and gum, and one of them gave us a check for five dollars to help us pay what we pledged on the church and one made a speech (we insisted on that) and then they left us. Don't you think they were very nice. You know it is near election and the men don't get all the treats in this country. They were all republicans. "

In 1930 Denver Laura, widowed, 57, is a maid in the Arthur Weideman home on Holly Street (east Denver).

Laura Clark Wilson Eckman Prairie Home Cemetery Holdredge Nebraska, with a birth date of Dec. 25, 1861 and a death date of Feb. 22, 1940

Laura's son Raleigh M. Wilson had an interesting life, with many years as a circus clown.

In 1910 there was a celebration in Wray - Ora Joslin''s diary says "Buel Eckman and Shannon Woodcock were there for dinner Sat. too. But Bunt and Shannon came home that night. The next morning Mrs. S. was sick in bed, had taken cold. Golda went to work getting breakfast, and there set the table just like we left it the noon before. I got that cleared off, and washed the dishes. Mr. S. wiped them and help set the table again. After breakfast I swept and cleared the table while Golda was making the beds, then she washed the dishes & Buel and I wiped them and put them away. The boys had to go out to the farm to haul up feed. Then we got ready and went to S.S. and church. Buel went home."

It was close to the Joslin farms - a father and two sons all homesteaded in 1910-1918 -The photo - courtesy of the Joslin family - is Royce Joslin standing, and Buell seated.

In 1920 Weld Precinct, Yuma County are Buelle, Freda A.M., Mable H, Evert F. and Andrew C. They're still there in 1930.

In 1940 Buelle and Freda have Andrew 32 and Lela J. 21. Lela is a daughter-in-law

On October 14, 1930, Edward Kramer was united in marriage to Miss Mable Eckman of the
Wages community. To this union two sons and two daughters were born

Mabel Helen Reed of Brighton was born September 6, 1912 in Holyoke to Buelle and Freda Schmidt Eckman. She died March 16, 1997 in Brighton at the age of 84.

Yuma County, Colorado
Photographs

Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Yuma County, Colorado Photographs

Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Yuma County, Colorado
Photographs