Johann Heinrich Koch

Johann Heinrich Koch later John Henry Cook, was a German-American, mercenary and farmer, who served as a Hessian auxiliary during the American Revolutionary War. He deserted in 1783 and joined the South Carolina Militia. His desertion was common for many soldiers who decided to stay in the new country, rather than make the voyage back to Europe.

Early life Johann Heinrich Koch, was born in 1762, to Johann Koch (1704-1767) and Anna Homburg (1704-1768). He was impressed into military service and sent to fight the American Revolutionary War as a mercenary.

Military Service Was present for major notable battles of the American Revolutionary War such as the Battle of Brandywine, the Battle of Camden, and the Battle of Guildford Court House. He was with General Cornwallis at Wilmington, North Carolina, and eventually deserted while stationed in South Carolina in 1783. After desertion, he joined the local South Carolina Militia for the remainder of the war. After the war he moved into the interior of the state.

Later life He anglicized his named to John Henry Cook and married Margaret Lightfoot. He moved to Abbeville County, South Carolina and became a farmer, planting Cherry trees on his property that are still some of the last evidence of him on his property today. He died around 1801, the rest of his family, except his eldest child Philip, moved further west into states like Alabama and Mississippi, looking for better soil for farming.