Lang, H. O., ed.  "The History of the Willamette Valley, Being A Description 
of the Valley and its Resources, with an account of its Discovery and 
Settlement by White Men, and its Subsequent History; Together with Personal 
Reminiscences of its Early Pioneers."  Portland, OR, Geo. H. Himes, Book and 
Job Printer, 1885.  p. 603.

JOHN H. COUCH

     Born in Newburyport, Mass., February 21, 1811; became a sailor and made
many voyages during the years preceding 1839.  Entered the Columbia River in the
spring of 1840 on board the brig "Maryland."  Arrived again in the Willamette in
1843 in command of the brig "Chenamus," of Boston.  Remained in this country and
kept a store in Oregon City until 1845, in that year removing to Portland and
taking up a land claim which forms a large part of that city.  Was appointed
treasurer of the Provisional Government of Oregon, but went to the Eastern
States in 1847.  In August, 1849, he arrived at Portland again in the bark
"Madonna," of New York.  Locating permanently in Portland, he filled the
positions of county treasurer, county commissioner, pilot commissioner, port
warden, and U.S. inspector of hulls.  Became very widely known in the State.
Died January 19, 1870.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2005 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.