Adam James Eckert, the secretary and treasurer of the Mohawk Valley Investment Corporation of Utica, was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, on the 10th of January, 1881, being the third in a family of seven children whose parents were Adolph and Catherine (Frank) Eckert. The family emigrated to the United States when A. James Eckert was but a year old, and the father became a successful contractor of Albany, New York.
Following his graduation from St. Francis Academy of Albany, A. James Eckert spent three years as an employe of the Mechanics & Farmers Bank of that city and subsequently was for one year connected with the bond brokerage firm of Merriam, Smith & Company. Later he was associated with E. H. Gay & Company of New York and Boston. It was in 1907 that he embarked in business on his own account in Utica as a dealer in investment securities and eight years later admitted D. M. Ross to a partnership. In 1918 the business was reorganized on a larger scale and the company was thereafter known as the Mohawk Valley Investment Corporation. Its first president was D. Clinton Murray, with A. James Eckert as secretary and treasurer. November, 1922, marked the passing of another milestone. An increasing clientele necessitated larger quarters in which to carry on its work and that would offer better and broader possibilities for service to its customers. While the completion of its new building is evidence of growth and a wider range of activity, the same principles of fair dealing that have been the foundation of its success in the past have been retained. The present officers of the Mohawk Valley Investment Corporation are as follows: Leslie W. Brown, president; T. Harvey Ferris, vice president; and A. James Eckert, secretary and treasurer. Its directors are: George L. Bradford, Leslie W. Brown, Beecher M. Crouse, A. James Eckert, T. Harvey Ferris, Arthur Hind, Joseph H. Reaney, Charles B. Rogers, William I. Taber, Charles S. Brewer and Warnick J. Kernan. "Two heads are better than one" is an old and true adage. When it comes to scrutinizing the securities that will bear the recommendation of the Mohawk Valley Investment Corporation, its officers increase that ratio to "eleven heads" by the irrevocable rule that every offering be placed before the entire directorate for their approval. They do not look upon any investment from the point of view of merely increasing the income of investors, but first and foremost as protecting the investor's principal. If there is the least element of speculation, it is rejected. In the new home of the corporation every provision has been made for the comfort and convenience of its customers and staff. All the facilities of the most modern investment house are available. A private wire to New York keeps the corporation in close touch with the financial and industrial markets, so that its advice to the public has the valuable quality of being based upon accurate knowledge and information. It is also often the privilege of the corporation to assist its customers with income and other tax problems. The interests of its customers are the primary consideration of the corporation. Its building is dedicated to their convenience and its work to the retention of their confidence. Mr. Eckert is not only officially identified with the Mohawk Valley Investment Corporation but is also a director of the Augusta Knitting Corporation and the Consolidated Water Company of Utica.
On the 2d of June, 1917, Mr. Eckert was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Yates, daughter of Charles and Frances (Harris) Yates. They are the parents of three children: Virginia Yates, Adam James, Jr., and Suzanne.
Mr. Eckert gives his political support to the republican party and is a communicant of St. John's Roman Catholic church, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Columbus. In club circles he is well known as a member of the New York Club of New York city, the Fort Schuyler Club, the Yahnundasis Golf Club, the Sadaquada Golf Club, the Teugega Club of Rome, and the Little Falls Country Club. He has long been numbered among the successful business men and highly respected citizens of Utica.