My Genealogy Hound

PROF. WILLIAM F. HOCH, who bears an enviable reputation among the educators of the Lehigh Valley, is the efficient County Superintendent of Public Instruction of Northampton County, having been elected to that responsible position in May, 1891, and re-elected in May, 1894. He has shown himself to be thoroughly capable, and faithful to the trust thus bestowed upon him. A native of this county, Mr. Hoch was born in September, 1853, and has passed his entire life within its limits.

The parents of Professor Hoch, Joseph and Louisa M. (Roth) Hoch, were also born in Northampton County, and the grandfather of the former, whose Christian name was Jacob, was one of the early settlers of Bushkill Township. Until eleven years of age our subject resided in Bushkill Township, when his parents removed to Bethlehem Township, and there he was reared to man’s estate, receiving his education in the public schools. His early education was supplemented by a course of study in the Keystone Normal School of Kutztown, where he especially prepared himself for educational work, and was graduated from that well known institution.

When only seventeen years of age, our subject began teaching school in Palmer Township, where he was located for one year. Subsequently he taught for fifteen successive years in Bethlehem Township, having charge during this long period of one school. His merits having become well known, and his influence as an educator being felt to be of the best, he was taken from the school-room to serve as Superintendent of Public Instruction of the county, a position for which he has shown special adaptation. Under his supervision the schools are rapidly acquiring a better tone and influence in the community. His methods are thoroughly in accord with the spirit of the times, and he endeavors to inculcate the latest and most practical systems.

Professor Hoch married, in 1877, Miss Mary A. a daughter of Thomas Richards, of Palmer Township, and by this union have been born two children, Lizzie M. and Bertha V. Socially the Professor is identified with Teedyuscong Tribe No. 117, I. O. R. M., and also with the Knights of the Golden Eagle at Freemansburg, Pa. He is public-spirited and enterprising, and politically gives his vote to the support of Democratic candidates. For a number of years he has officiated as organist of St. John’s Church of Farmersville, and is a member of the Lutheran Church.