My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES J. KOCH. A simple account of the life and works of a man of honor and integrity is the best monument that can be reared for him by the biographical writer, and therefore in these paragraphs no attempt will be made to give undue praise to the subject of this article, whose life speaks for him better than mere words would do. He is now occupying the position of Justice of the Peace of Pen Argyl, and also officiates as Deputy Postmaster. A man of progressive ideas, liberal and public-spirited, his career is indicative of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow-citizens.

On the 30th of March, 1837, in Harmony Township, Warren County, N. J., a son was born to Joseph and Jemima (Mericle) Koch, to whom was given the name of Charles J. The family was of German descent, and early settling in Pennsylvania migrated thence to New Jersey. Grandfather Jacob Koch followed the occupation of a farmer in the latter state, where his death occurred. In politics he was stanch in his adherence to the principles of the Democratic party. In religious matters he was connected with the Presbyterian Church. His family numbered eight children four of whom are living.

The father of our subject, Joseph Koch, was born in Bucks County, Pa., in 1816, and has been a life-long agriculturist. His home is now in Pen Argyl, and though advanced in years he is hale and robust. Unto his union were born three children, of whom Charles J. is the eldest. The others are Sabina, widow of John Carter; and Emma, who married Jacob Van Horn, of Marksboro, N. J., but is now deceased. Our subject was reared in Harmony, N. J., where he attended the public schools. Later he was a student in the Easton select school. For some time he resided on the home farm, engaged as an agriculturist, and continued in that occupation until 1883, when he came to Pen Argyl. While in New Jersey he was for nine years engaged as Tax Collector, also served as Treasurer of his township for ten years, and was School Director and Supervisor. For a time he was a dealer in farm implements.

Coming to Pen Argyl, Mr. Koch was for two years engaged in the clothing business, but retired therefrom in order to accept the appointment as Postmaster, conferred upon him under the administration of President Cleveland. For four years he filled the office, and by his efficient discharge of duties gave satisfaction to all concerned. Retiring from the office at the change of administration, he became freight and passenger agent for the Central Railroad of New Jersey at Pen Argyl. During the three years and a-half that he remained in this office he also held the position of Justice of the Peace, to which he was re-elected in the spring of 1894. Among the, enterprises in which he is interested is the Electric Light Company, in which he is Director and Treasurer. Politically a Democrat, he takes an active interest in party affairs, and has served as a delegate a number of times. His religious connections are with the Presbyterian Church. Socially, he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and Pen Argyl Lodge No. 594, F. & A. M.

December 10, 1857, Mr. Koch was united in marriage with Miss Mary E., daughter of George Stocker, of Martin’s Creek, Northampton County. The two children born of this union are deceased, Lizzie R. having died in 1883, and Warren J. in 1891.