Presented by
Pennsylvania Trails History and Genealogy

Kuhns, Willis E.

WILLIE E. KUHNS, one of the senior members of the firm of Koch Brothers, was born in Khunsville, July 19, 1877. After attending the public schools, he entered the employ of the original firm of Koch & Shankweiler, clothiers and furnishers, in September, 1894. With tact, industry and integrity, he was steadily and deservedly advanced from errand boy, salesman, cutter and draftsman to general manager of this great clothing establishment, in which position he held the highest esteem of his deceased uncles, Frank W. Koch and Thomas J. Koch. On January 1, 1907, Thomas J. Koch, who had purchased his brother's interest in the business after the latter's death, en route to Londa England, reorganized his business, connecting with himself his nephew, Mr. Kuhns, and other faithful employees. After the death of Thomas J. Koch, Mr. Kuhns became one of the executive heads of the firm, and today enjoys the respect and best wishes of a host of friends among patrons of the store and business associates in this vicinity and the leading American manufacturers and woolen mills. Mr. Kuhns has won his worthy advance in the business world through hard work, modern business principles and progressiveness. He is a member of Christ Lutheran Church, the Livingston Club, Chamber of Commerce, the Masons and other franternities; and is a social favorite to hundreds who know him personally, and is a liberal contributor to charity and the community's worthy institutions.