The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-03-04
TOLDEST CITIZEN OF RICHMOND
CELEBRATES 95TH BIRTHDAY
Charles g. Eckert Still Hale and
Hearty, Walking Five
Miles a Day.
HOPES 10 REACH 100 YEARS
Before Coming to America He
Made Furniture for Queen
Victoria's Palace.
MICS a Lay

Charles G. Eckert, the oldest Ger
man and probably the Oldest citizen
OF Richmond, celebrated his ninety
fifth birthday yesterday. For his
age, he is the youngest man in the
city, having full possession OF all his
faculties. He can read without glasses,
usually walks five or six miles a
any man Of fifty. Having enjoyed
good health all through life, due
largely to the regular habits Of his
race, he expects to reach the CEN
fury mark. having stored up great
strength and vigor for his ripe old
age.
Made Royal Furniture.
Mr.. Eckert was born in the little
village of Buckendorf, Saxony, Ger
many. on March 3, 1915. where his
youth was spent In viewing the recon
struction OF Germany from the raw
age sof Napoleonic Wars. He learned
the trade OF cabinetmaker, touring the
continent as a iourneyman. which was
could become finished workman. He
returned to Milan in time to make the
royal furniture for Queen Victoria.
who was then betrothed to Prince
Albert of saxe-Coburg.
Determining, however, to seek his
fortune inthe golden West, Mr.. Ecker
took passage for America on Septen-
& %, 1850, arriving in New York or
December 1, after a stormy voyage Of
ssixty-eight days. There. as in the
Fatherland. he followed his trade, but
after residing In New York two years
he decided to move South, arriving In
Richmond on May 81. 1852. Since that
time he has made several trips to Ger
many, but as he said yesterday, Ger
many is nice, but there is Just one
America. and that is the United States,
and Virginia Is the best Of all"
Volunteered His Services.
After coming here Mr.. Eckert fol-
lowed his trade. When the War Be
tween the States began he volunteered.
but because of his work was selected
as a model-maker in the Ordnance
Department of the Confederate govern
ment, which position he held until the
close of the war.
Though small man In stature. Mr..
Eckert was anxious to go to the front.
but his request was not granted. On
several occasions. however, lie went
out with troops to repel the enemy,
which was endeavoring to attack the
city.
When peace was declared Mr.. Eckert
went back to his trade, sticking to
1t until he retired from active labor
about eighteen years ago. He is just
as hale and Just as hearty as he was
when he retired.
Older Than DR.. Taylor.
Speaking last night OF Mr.. Eckert's
birthday. DR.. William II. Taylor said
that he was satisfied he was the oldest
person in Richmond. People have
been calling me old" said DR.. TAYLOR,
and yet Mr.. Eckert is old enough to
be my father. I think there is one
spinster in Richmond who is Mr.
Eckert's senior, though 1t would be dis
courteous for1lne to mention her name
Therefore shall put Mr.. 1Sckert at
the head of the class
DR.. Taylor thought. however. that
six miles day was too much of a
walk for a man ninety-five years old.
Mr.. Fckert's friends would be glad
to hear from any citizens who have
passed the ninety five-year5 mark.