The early history of Neils is unknown. Neils married Maren Kathrine Nielsdatter on Sep 29, 1838 in Sønder Kongerslev, Denmark. Together, they had three children, but only one lived to adulthood. Maren died on April 13, 1843. Neils married Matte Maria Larsen on May 23, 1846 in Norre Kongerslev, Denmark.

The Eskildsen family was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Jan 10, 1852 in Norre Kongerslev, Denmark. It took until 1866 for the family to make the means to move to Utah. They left Copenhagen, Denmark on May 17, 1866 and prepared the journey in Hamburg, Germany. They arrived in New York City, New York on July 16, 1866. The Eskildsen family joined the Captain Peter Nebeker ox train and left Nebraska Territory on Aug 7. They arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sep 29, 1866. They soon moved to Richmond where Niels became a farmer.