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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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LEWIS F. KOCH. In Whitehall Township may be seen a fine farm, upon which has been expended much care in cultivation and development. The land, which is some of the best in the county, is adorned with plenty of trees, and this well ordered place belongs to the gentleman whose name is inscribed above. He is a native of Whitehall Township, and was born March 13, 1844.

John and Liddia (Stettler) Koch, the parents of our subject, were likewise natives of this county, and the great-grandfather on the paternal side is said to have been among the first of the family to make their home in this section, locating in an early day in Macungie Township. John Koch, the grandfather of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade, and departed this life in this county.

The father of our subject had born to him a large family of children, of whom we give the following: Sarah, Caroline, Susan, Emma, Willoughby, Lewis F., Peter A. and Hiram. The father of these children was a Democrat in politics, and in religious affairs was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.

He whose name heads this sketch, like other farmers’ boys, assisted his father on the home place in his youth, and at short intervals attended the district school. December 22, 1868, he was married to Miss Emeline Hoffman, born in this county January 24, 1847. Mrs. Koch is a daughter of Elias and Leah (Kern) Hoffman, also natives of this county, and the former of whom is deceased. Grandfather William Hoffman was an early settler of Whitehall Township, and the family is classed among the well-to-do agriculturists of the Lehigh Valley. Mrs. Hoffman is still living, at the advanced age of threescore years and ten, and makes her home in North Whitehall Township.

To our subject and his wife have been born seven children, viz.: Ervin L., Frank P., William H., Lester M., Martha E., Howard H. and Stanley J. He of whom we write located on his present farm in 1872, and has made this place his home since that time. It comprises forty-eight acres of valuable land, which he cultivates in the best possible manner. He is a strong Democrat in politics, and for three years served as a member of the School Board. The Lutheran Church finds in him one of its most consistent members. He has used his influence, by example and otherwise, to advance the welfare of the community in which he resides, and in all his dealings he has shown himself to be fearless and straightforward, and has many friends throughout the community.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Lehigh County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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