LICHTY, John A. 1819-1895

LICHTY, BROWN, PECK, SPEICHER

Posted By: Merikay Mestad (email)
Date: 8/22/2009 at 17:23:27

John A. Lichty Dead. An Early Settler Gone.

Dies at His Home in Orange Township at 6:00 O’clock This Morning.

John A. Lichty, one of the early settlers of Blackhawk county, died at his home in Orange township at 6:00 o’clock this morning after an illness of about two months’ duration.

Notwithstanding his advanced age Mr. Lichty was quite active and vigorous until his final illness set in. The death of mr. Lichty removes from the community one of its old land marks. He has been a resident of Orange township since 1860, living on the same farm for 35 years. When he came to the county the railroad had not yet reached out to Waterloo and the location of his home rendered it a favorite stopping place for travelers on the wagon route.

His hospitable home became known as “the blue house,” being thus designated by its color, and when the weary traveler knew he could reach it before dark he felt assured of a hearty welcome and a pleasant sojourn for the night. “The blue house,” as a term, became synonymous with cordiality and kindness and there were none who did not enjoy being the guest of Mr. Lichty and his estimable family. In this manner and by his long residence here Mr. Lichty became well known throughout the county, and all who know of his death participate in the sorrow occasioned thereby. He was universally respected and honored.

John A. Lichty was born in Sommerset [sic] county, Pennsylvania. He came to Blackhawk county in 1860 and has since resided in Orange township. He leaves a large family as well as many friends to mourn his departure. His immediate family consists of a wife and eight children—four sons and four daughters. The sons are Jacob, of Eagle township; Chauncey and Philmore, of Thayer Co., Neb. and Abraham, who resides on the homestead. The daughters are Mrs. A. B. Brown and Mrs. Jerry Peck, of Orange township, and Misses Adaline and Mary, who are at home. Five brothers and three sisters survive Mr. Lichty. They are Samuel, of this city; Josiah and Ephriam, of Orange township; Levi, of Lanark, Ill., Daniel, of Morrill, Kan.; William, of Sebetha, Neb.; Mrs. Bauman, of Berlin, Pa., Mrs. E. Speicher, of Waterloo, and Mrs. J. Sweitzer, of Orange township.

Funeral services will be held at the German Baptist church in Orange township Wednesday, the body being taken from the home at 10 a. m. --

[Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa; 11 Nov. 1895]