HENRY LICHT

Henry Licht, one of the venerable and highly esteemed citizens of Cedar county, was for many years prominently identified with agricultural interests here but is now living retired on a farm a half mile west of Lowden. His birth occurred in the province of Hanover, Germany, on the 27th of August, 1828, and in that country he spent the first thirty-four years of his life. In 1862 he emigrated to the United States, locating in Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for four years.

On the expiration of that period Mr. Licht came to Cedar county, Iowa, and for one year devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He then bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres but subsequently sold eighty acres thereof. By his next purchase he came into possession of a farm of one hundred and eighty acres and was actively engaged in its operation until he disposed of the property. He afterward bought a tract of four hundred acres and the further cultivation and improvement of that property claimed his attention until the time of his retirement from active business life. He made many substantial improvements on each of his farms before disposing of them and has ever been a most energetic, industrious and enterprising agriculturist. On putting aside the active work of the fields he divided his property among his children, and now resides with his son Henry on a farm a half mile west of Lowden. His well directed labors were rewarded with a large degree of prosperity and he has long been numbered among the most substantial and respected citizens of the community.

In the year 1856, in Germany, Mr. Licht was united in marriage to Miss Dora Schroeder, by whom he had nine children, two of whom were born in the fatherland. Henry and August are deceased and the seven surviving children are as follows: William; Charles; Louis; Henry F.; Albert; Minnie, who is the wife of Fred Myer and resides in Springfield township, Cedar county; and Louisa, the wife of Henry Hintz, of Lowden.

Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Licht has exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy. He has never held public office, however, finding that his private interests demand his entire time and attention. Both he and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran church at Lowden, taking a deep and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Licht served as superintendent of the Sunday school for years. For forty-four years he has made his home within the borders of Cedar county and his salient characteristics are such as have gained for him the unqualified respect, esteem and good will of his fellowmen. Leaving his native country in early manhood, he sought the opportunities of the new world and in a land where effort is unhampered by caste or class has worked his way steadily upward. He has now passed the eighty-second milestone of life’s journey and can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.