Pioneer Passes Over Great Divide

MR. JOHN G. KOCH DIES AT THE AGE OF 89 YEARS

Came to This Country When He Was 18 Years Old--Funeral on Sunday Afternoon

John George Koch, aged 89 years, a pioneer of Washtenaw county, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. David Laubengayer, on S. Main street Friday evening, after an illness of five days. Mr. Koch suffered a shock of paralysis on Sunday and the second shock, which occurred Friday afternoon, caused his death.

Mr. Koch was born in Unteraichen, Stuttgart, Wuertemberg, July 4, 1812. He emigrated to this country at the age of eighteen and settled on a farm in Freedom township. In 1837 he was married to Miss Mary Katherina Niethammer. Seven children were born to them, five of whom are now living--John Koch of Saline, Emanuel Koch of Berrien county, Mrs. Barbara Horning, Mrs. Henry Paul and Mrs. Regina Laubengayer. He had twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren. Mrs. Koch died in 1900, since which time Mr. Koch has made his home with his three daughters.

Mr. Koch is said to have lived in this county longer than any other person living, haring resided here continuously since 1830. He has owned several farms in the county. Thirty years ago he gave up farming and moved to the city and built the brick house at the corner of Packard and Division streets.

Mr. Koch had enjoyed wonderfully good health all his life, never having had to call a physician until this last illness.

The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of his daughter, Mrs. Laubengayer, and from Zion Lutheran church at 2:30 o'clock.