My Genealogy Hound

DAVID KOCH is the proprietor of the mill which bears his name, and which well known establishment is located in Upper Macungie Township. It is five stories in height, 40x60 feet in dimensions, and was remodeled in 1856, the original part of the mill having been built over a century ago. The old process of burr-stones was used in the mill until 1891, when the roller system was put in, and our subject is now enabled to manufacture twenty-four barrels of flour in twenty-four hours. He has a large custom and merchant trade, and his mill is in operation night and day.

He of whom we write purchased his milling plant in the fall of 1887 from William Mann & Co., of Philadelphia, and he has siuce continued to operate it with fair success. It is run by water-power, the machinery being propelled by two overshot wheels of the old kind, which is equal to twenty-four-horse power.

David Koch, of this sketch, is a native of South Whitehall Township, and the date of his birth was March 15, 1832. He is the son of Solomon and Sallie Koch, likewise natives of this county, while his great-grandfather, Henry by name, came from Germany. He was an old settler of Upper Macungie Township, where he lived to the remarkable age of ninety-one years. Our subject was trained to farm pursuits on his father’s estate, and, like all lads of that early day, pursued his studies in the log cabin schoolhouse. He made his home for three years on the farm which his grandfather purchased over one hundred and thirty-six years ago.

In 1856 the original of this sketch learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed for eight years, and then began manufacturing pumps, having his factory located in Whitehall Township. He was engaged in this business for many years, at the same time carrying on farm pursuits. In 1872 he changed his location to Upper Macungie Township, which has since been his place of residence. Besides this enterprise Mr. Koch also owns a saw-mill, which he has conducted successfully for several years, and in both establishments he gives employment to three men. The sawmill is fitted out with an “up-and-down” saw and turns out about six hundred feet of lumber daily.

The lady to whom our subject was married in 1857 was Miss Sarah Stoudt. She was born in Salisbury Township, this county, and is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Stoudt, also natives of this county, but who are now deceased. Their union has been blessed by the birth of six children, namely: Amanda, Mrs. George Harpster; Victoria, the wife of Amos Weida; Benjamin, who married Clara Hiskey, of Lower Macungie Township; Sarah, Mrs. Oscar Guth; Edwin S., who married Alverta Saeger; and Caroline.

Besides his milling property Mr. Koch owns fifteen acres of land, which he cultivates to the best advantage. He has ever taken a warm interest in the development of his county, and classes his friends among the best residents of this section. He is an official member of the Lutheran Church, with which his wife is also connected, having served as Trustee of the congregation at Gordon. He is a Democrat in politics, and keeps himself in touch with the times. Since 1863 he has been called upon many times to serve as an auctioneer among the farmers, and cries his sales in both the English and German languages.