My Genealogy Hound

JOHN F. KOCHER, M. D., is one of the leading physicians of Lehigh County. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in this county June 30, 1842, to Benjamin and Anna (Weida) Kocher, also natives of this county. His grandfather, Simon Kocher, was a well known citizen of Lowhill Township, while his father, Martin, was born in Alsace, France, and emigrated to America about 1720. He came immediately to this county and located on a farm in Heidelberg Township, with whose interests he was prominently identified. He is the founder of that branch of the family from which our subject is descended.

John F., of this sketch, passed his early years on his father’s estate in Lowhill Township, receiving his primary education in the public schools of Allentown, and for several years thereafter attended what was known as the Allentown Seminary. Later he took a course of study in Freeland Seminary, now Ursinus College, at Collegeville, this state. It was Mr. Kocher’s desire to become a physician, but for five years previous to entering upon his medical studies he taught school, in the mean time reading medical works.

In the year 1867 our subject matriculated in the medical department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor and attended the winter course of 1867-68. The following spring he took a special course in chemistry, and in the fall of that year continued his studies in the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1869. After that he taught school for one year in Weaversville Academy, and in 1870 located for practice in New Smithville, this state. He remained there for some five years, when he changed his place of residence to his present home, where he has built up a large and lucrative patronage. He is a close student of his profession, and his skill and ability have not only given him a high reputation, but have won him an extensive practice.

Dr. Kocher was married on the 25th of December, 1870, to Miss Ellen M., a daughter of Sylvester Guth, and to them have been born six children, Harvey L., Edgar B., Jennie L., Lulu G., Mamie E. and Annie F. The Doctor filled the position of Postmaster of his township for four years, and in politics he is a strong supporter of Republican principles. He has ever been public spirited and progressive and gives his support to every worthy enterprise. He is self made and is a man of sterling integrity and good business ability. He holds membership with the German Reformed Church in South Whitehall and enjoys the confidence and sincere esteem of a host of friends.