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Frank H. Koch was born on October 28, 1868 in Springfield, Ill. His father, Samuel Koach, was born on March 28, 1833, in Potter County PA to Jacob Koch and Maria Schmidt.
Frank came to the Black Hills at age 18 and herded sheep near Dewey, SD. Due to the tension between cattle and sheep people he moved on to Wyoming where he worked for the Z-Bell Ranch, the 101 and the Bar T. He was know for years as the "Bar-T-Kid." During the time of the Wounded Knee confrontation he carried messages for Generals Miles and Johnson. He was the first deputy sheriff in Campbell County Wyoming. On October 28, 1899 he married Martha Clara Wells in Hot Springs, SD. His marriage certificate has his name spelled "Koach." In 1913 they settled on the Belle Fourche River near Moorecroft where they ranched until he was in his 70's. Children were: Samuel, Lloyd, Nettie, Kemmeth, Roy, Mildred, Frank, Edward and Jim.
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