My Genealogy Hound

ECKHART WORCH, merchant tailor, New Madison; one of the old, reliable, substantial business men of New Madison; was born in Schlierbach, Germany, in 1821; came to America in 1842; landing at New York, he started West by boat; when about eleven miles from Columbus, Ohio, his money being exhausted, he was compelled to leave the boat; he made his way the best he could to Dayton, where his genial ways and perseverance soon won friends and secured employment; after a stay of about twelve years in Dayton, during which he had acquired a knowledge of business, and also become able to transact business in either English, German or Hebrew, and acquired a reputation for industry and integrity, which he has never lost, and which has been of great service to him during the years in which he has been engaged in business, he came to New Madison in 1853; began the merchant tailoring business in 1854, and has continued in it ever since, having a growing and profitable trade; he now has a good stock of clothing and gents’ furnishing goods, notions, etc., and is still an active, wide-awake business man; he was prominent in organizing the Reformed Church here, and is still an active supporter of the Gospel. A review of his life is not out of place here. Starting in this country a “raw Dutchman” without experience, money or friends; in twelve years he had gained such a knowledge of language and business, and such a reputation for industry and integrity, that a well known firm in Cincinnati offered without solicitation to sell him any amount of goods he needed, and allow him to pay for them when sold. The letter in which this offer was made was written in German, and has been preserved by him, and he now feels a just pride in showing it to friends. From this start, secured by his active and persevering efforts while in the employ of others, he has gradually risen to a prominent business man, at the same time developing a character as a merchant and Christian citizen which is as creditable as it is honorable; he now occupies the corner which was owned and occupied by that most excellent pioneer citizen, Ernestus Putman, the founder, and in its early day, the fosterer of New Madison. Mr. Worch has been twice married. His marriage with Petronella Frederick, was celebrated in Dayton, July 1, 1846; she was also a native of Germany, born in Dittlesheim, Canton of Worms, in 1824; her death occurred in New Madison, in 1874; she was a consistent Christian woman, a kind mother and an affectionate wife; they had seven sons, four are now living viz.: Franklin H., now a resident of Cincinnati; Charles D., a telegraph operator; Lewis A., now learning the trade of jeweler in Richmond, Ind., and Philip F who assists his father in the store. The marriage of Mr. Worch and Mrs. Sarah (Wagner) Bowman, was celebrated Jan. 22, 1880; she is the daughter of William Wagner, of German Township, and was married to Jacob Bowman, whose death occurred in 1873.