Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/25/10 - Image Year: 1880
John "Judge" Koons was a son of Johann and Mary Kuntz. He was born March 16, 1816 and died October 3, 1904. He was married to Elizabeth Jane Kepner and they had eight children: Clara, Margaret, Ada, Lehman, Jeannie, Sarah, Anna and Matilda.
John Koons, in his younger days followed boating on the Pennsylvania canal. In 1845 he purchased the farm at the east end of Limestone Ridge near Port Royal, and settling upon it, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1884 he retired from the farm in favor of his son Lehman L. Koons and spent the remainder of his days in Port Royal.
John Koons was recognized as one, who possessed the highest type of noble manhood and was the embodiment of honor. in a remarkable manner he maintained the vigor and activity of youth during the long period of his retirement. He entered upon the more abundant life at the age of 88 y, 5 m, 17 d, Oct. 3, 1904. He expired suddenly, while resting at home.
He occasionally noted the changes of passing years by remarking, that it was his privilege to attend the first fair held in Juniata county at Mifflintown in 1854; and that when the present fair ground at Port Royal was still a forest, he used to roam over it in search of wild game.
He was one of the first officials of the Port Royal Presbyterian church, and served it many years as a highly esteemed ruliing elder. After serving his turn in the various township offices, he served a full term as an Associate Judge of Juniata County. A sense of justice and honor marked all of his public service and he passed his judicial ermine unspotted to his successor. He was intelligent, conscientious and kept himself well informed in regard to the management of public affairs. He had 11 grand children and 17 great grandchildren.
