Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 4. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 389. JOHN A. KOONTZ is engaged in general farming, owning eighty acres of land under the government ditch. This tract he has rapidly transformed into a highly cultivated place, its many improvements bearing evidence of his industry and practical methods. He was born in Putnam county, Illinois, April 9, 1858, and is a son of Henry and Lucy (Grubb) Koontz, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The mother died in Putnam county when her son John A. was nine years of age. He was the eldest of six children, the others being Henry, William, Lucy, Charles and Alfred. John A. Koontz in his early childhood went to live with his grandfather, with whom he remained between the ages of two and seventeen years. He continued in Putnam county until January 22, 1876, when he went to Missouri, where he started in active life on his own account, working at farm labor. He spent twelve years in Missouri and in 1889 arrived in Klamath county, Oregon, where he worked for wages until 1905. In 1893, however, he homesteaded his present place but for twelve years thereafter continued in the employ of others until he felt that his capital and conditions were such as to justify him in beginning the improvement of his own land. He now owns eighty acres of the one hundred and sixty acre homestead and is diligently and persistently carrying on the work of the farm. The government ditch supplies this with water and excellent irrigation is making his fields most productive so that he annually raises good crops. He is a public-spirited citizen and that he does not look only to his own interests and welfare is indicated by the fact that he has given nine acres for the right of way of the Modoc Northern Railroad which is now under construction upon condition that they build a depot and put in a siding here. This will afford excellent shipping facilities for the people of the surrounding country and will prove of inestimable benefit to the ranchers of this part of Klamath county. Mr. Koontz has been married twice. In September, 1880, he wedded Miss Ella Drummond and unto them was born a daughter, Julia A., now the wife of B. E. Hull, of St. Joseph,. Missouri. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Ida E. Greeley, whom he wedded December 29, 1908. In politics Mr. Koontz is a republican, interested in the welfare and success of his party to the extent of advocating its principles and voting for its candidates, yet he never seeks nor desires office for himself. He is generous in his support of the Presbyterian church and gave an acre of his farm upon which to build a house of worship of that denomination. In fact he advocates all progressive measures that will advance the material, intellectual, political and moral progress of the community and thereby has become a valued citizen of Klamath county. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in September 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.