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Pennsylvania Trails History and Genealogy

Koch, Horatio B.

HORATIO B. KOCH, merchant prince and senior member of the firm of H. Leh & Co., owners of Allentown's Daylight Department Store, is a son of Thomas J. and Elizabeth Koch. He was born November 13, 1853, on a farm in Upper Macungie Township. His primary education was what the schools of his native thownship could afford. He worked his way through the MIllersville State Normal School, and after graduation, taught school for three years. Mr. Koch from early boyhood had been inclined toward mercantile pursuits, and in 1874, in order to gratify his ambition, he resigned his position as teacher, paying him $40 a per month, to accept a job with H. Leh & Co., at Allentown, as shipping clerk at $4 per week.

In his new work his rise was rapid and after several years of service he was made traveling salesman for the firm. In this capacity he traveled all over the United States selling shoes to big dealers in the larger cities. His ability as a business man and his loyalty to his employers was recognized in 1884 when he was taken into the firm. Following the death of Henry Leh, founder of the business, Mr. Koch became the senior partner.

In 1911 Mr. Koch with his associates erected a new five-story fireproof daylight department store. The establishment, in respect to its completeness and modernity of wares and equipment, is recognized as one of the leading department stores of its kind in eastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Koch has been an active factor in the social, civic and religious development of the city. He is a member of the board of governors of the new Chamber of Commerce, and the Livingston Club. Wit hthe late Henry Leh, he was actively interested in the development of the West End, now Allentown's residential section, having built some of the most modern homes in this section.

He has traveled extensively and twice has crossed the ocean to Europe and traversed the continent. In 1885 Mr. Koch married Sallie Leh, daughter of the late Henry H..Leh. He is the father of one son and three daughters and lives at 1533 Hamilton Street.