KSGenWeb Digital Library Biographical Sketch of J. P. H. Koch Nemaha County, Kansas

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KSGENWEB INTERNET GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY COPYRIGHT NOTICE:  In keeping with the KSGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied materiel.  These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain.  Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged.  Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires approval of the file's author.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following transcription is from a 750 page book titled "Genealogical and Biographical Record of North-Eastern Kansas, dated 1900.  These have been diligently transcribed and generously contributed by Penny R. Harrell, please give her a very big Thank You! for her hard work!

J. P. H. Koch is the owner of one of the fine farms of Nemaha county, his property comprising 560 acres of highly improved land on section 13, Marion township.  He was born in Prussia, Germany, December 21, 1843, and his father, John Koch, was also a native of the same locality.  Having arrived at the age of maturity he married Anna Mary Wilberg, and in 1854 he brought his family to the new world, establishing his home in Wisconsin.  Three years later he emigrated to Kansas, becoming one of the first settlers in Nemaha county.

Here he took up government land and established a fine farm, being identified with the agricultural interests of the community until his death, which occurred when he was 79 years of age.  He was a prominent member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and aided in building three houses of worship at St. Benedict.  His widow still survives him and now resides in Richmond township.

In their family were ten children, nine of whom are yet living.  Mr. Koch, the third child, was about ten years of age when he came with his father to America and was a lad of twelve summers when he arrived in Nemaha county.  At the age of five years he began his education in the Fatherland and further continued his studies in Wisconsin and in Kansas, but the schools of that period in Nemaha county were not equal to those of the present time and his advantages were therefore somewhat limited.

He remained with his father until 30 years of age, assisting in the operations of the home farm.  In 1875 he was wedded to Miss Mary E. Harpau, a native of Germany.  After their marriage they located in Richmond township, Nemaha county, where Mr. Koch engaged in general farming until 1897.  Their home was blessed with eight children who are yet living, namely: John, Frank, Peter, Mary Irena, Joseph, Clements, Eddie and Lizzie.  The eldest child died when about five months old. All were born in Nemaha county and the family are well and favorably known in the community.

Mr. Koch is today the owner of 560 acres of land, all of which has been placed under a high state of cultivation through his own efforts.  His home is a large and commodious modern residence and in keeping with this are the fine outbuildings.  The barn is 50 x 36 feet, with a sixteen-foot shed on each side, and other substantial improvements indicate the progressive spirit and enterprise of the owner who is regarded as one of the leading agriculturists in the community.

He and his family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church of St. Benedict and he has contributed to the building fund of four churches there.  In politics he is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests.

Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2004 00:51:07

The Digital Library of the KSGenWeb is a non-commercial entity dedicated to free access to records of genealogical value. All documents contained herein may be freely copied for personal and library use, as long as the KSGenWeb Statement of Use remains attached. These records may not be published in any format, including electronic (web pages or CD's) and print, without prior written consent of the contributor. In order to insure continued free access, violators of this policy will be vigorously pursued.

We invite all contributions of transcribed records with genealogical value. This could range from wills and letters from your personal family records to indexes of your county's marriage records. There are many, many more examples, of course. Anything you have that you are willing to contribute will be gratefully accepted. For more information, contact Kenneth Thomas, KSGenWeb Digital Library Coordinator at kgthomas5@earthlink.net.

We also accept any non-copyrighted printed materials that you have access to and would like to see transcribed and placed on-line. If the material is copyrighted and you are the copyright holder, please include written permission for use by The KSGenWeb Digital Library. These may be mailed to Kenneth Thomas, 235 SE 111th Rd., Warrensburg, MO 64093-7812.

  KSGENWEB DIGITAL LIBRARY PAGE
  KSGENWEB HOME PAGE

Page Design, HTML Coding and Layout - Copyright©1998-2004 by Kenneth Thomas, All Rights Reserved.
The KSGenWeb Project logo Copyright©1996-2004 by Tom & Carolyn Ward, All Rights Reserved.
For the limited use of the KSGenWeb Project.  Permission is granted for use only on an Official KSGenWeb Project page.
The Official USGenWeb Project logo designed by Linda Cole.