HARRY I. KOCH, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and a member of the firm of Brown & Koch, insurance and real estate brokers of Allentown, was born near Siegersville, Nov. 29, 1876. When a mere lad, his parents came to Allentown, where he attended high school and was graduated in 1892. The following spring he was graduated from the American Commercial School of Allentown, and later was engaged by the Krall Furniture Company and the Yeager Furniture Company, both of Allentown, for a period of fifteen years. With the latter concern he occupied a position of an executive nature involving considerable responsibility. In 1908 he severed his relations with the Yeager Furniture Company to become associated with his present partner, Ray S. Brown, in the real estate business under the firm name of Brown & Koch. Their offices are located at No. 729 Hamilton Street. The firm is of no long standing but by energy enterprise and sound business methods, together with unquestioned integrity and character, they immediately forged their way to the front amongst the insurance and real estate brokers of the city.

In the spring of 1909 the Chamber of Commerce felt the need of a secretary, one of sufficient standing in the community to properly care for the many important matters continually presenting themselves before the body. From a list of more than sixty applicants, it unanimously elected Mr. Koch, who since serves this position with merit. Through the efforts of Mr. Koch the membership has been increased and interest has been awakened. Numerous enterprises of various kinds have located here through the publicity campaign, pointing out the excellent advantages of Allentown and vicinity as a manufacturing center, among which was the Lehigh Valley Steel Co., which was started here in the spring of 1910, through the personal efforts of the secretary. This concern from a small beginning has already grown to such proportions as to necessitate the payment of $50,000 in wages per annum.

Mr. Koch is prominently identified with the Allentown Lodge of Elks, No. 130, having served in all its official capacities and being one of its most active and influential members, having been the Exalted Ruler during the years 1911 and 1912.

During 1894 and 1895 Mr. Koch was one of Lehigh County's prominent bicyclists and attained the highest speed during that year. As an amateur, he won a number of races in Allentown, Reading, Harrisburg, Hazelton, etc. He was also connected with the Allen Wheelmen.

He and his family are members of Christ Lutheran church, Mr. Koch having served in the vestry for several years and was one of the organizers of its Sunday school in January, 1904, since which time he served as its secretary.

On September 14, 1898, he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie E. Miller, one of the city's school teachers for several years.