Henry was born on February 17, 1791, in Schaefferstown, Lebanon Co., PA to Jacob and Barbara Schrope Eckler. Siblings Jacob (1789) and Johannes "John" (1793) were born there as well. By 1800 - the family had located to Pine Grove, Berks Co. PA where siblings - Lawrence (1801), Benjamin (1804), Eva Barbara (William Leffler) (1807) & Gotlieb (1811).

Henry married Margaret Keiser about 1814 in Pine Grove. She was the daughter of Philip and Eva Maria Zimmerman Keiser. They became the parents of twelve living children - Hannah (Johannes Spancake), John Franklin (Eliza Ney), Catherina (George Casper Kissawetter), Maria Anna(Daniel Umbenhauer & Benjamin Frederick), Margaret Polly (Valentine Ferst), Barbara Ann (John H Null), George (Catherine McCallister), Lydia Anna (Adam Miller & Wm. Knapp ), Ellen Elmira (Hiram Miller), Elizabeth Eliza (John M Miller), Susannah(died young),and Henry Jr. (died on June 21, 1862, from Typhoid contracted while serving in the Civil War). Several infants died shortly after birth - Elizabeth 1815).

Henry was an accomplished Gun Smith - producing very fine Pennsylvania Long Rifles (later to be known as Kentucky Long Rifles). Henry served in The War of 1812 - 2nd Regiment - 1st. Brigade PA Militia under Capt. Ritschard. He suffered for many years with "Gravel" (kidney stones). He died the 25th of August 1862 two months after his son - Henry Jr. A gun collector contacted me with the information that he possesses one of Henry's guns in his prized collection - Valued between $16,000 and $30,000. Others are in the possession of other collectors. Son George Washington Eckler crafted the Long Rifles - as well.
Henry was a protegee of John Bonewitz - Master Gun Maker. He is buried at St. Peter's Cemetery in Pine Grove - alongside is wife - Margaret Keiser Eckler, daughters Margaret "Polly" and Susannah and son - Henry Jr. Submitted by G G Granddaughter - Anita (Eckler family) Rodgers. On July 17, 2014 - Yours Truly attained Membership in The Daughters of the War of 1812 thru proof of Henry's Service.