Louis J. Licht, secretary and treasurer of a large stock company for the preparation of cereals, in Geneva, Ontario county, New York, is of German descent. His father Frederick Licht was born in Germany, 1825, and died in this country, 1905. He came to America in 1832, and was the inventor of the process which has since been improved upon by his sons and in which the family has been successful in accumulating a fortune. He married Elizabeth Klinck, born in this country, 1832, died, 1882. They had five children, three of whom are now (1910) living and engaged together in business.
Louis J. Licht was born in East Williamsburg, Long Island, September 2, 1862. He was educated in the public schools of his native city and was graduated from the Brooklyn high school. At the age of eighteen years he entered upon his business career, accepting a position in the office of the Brooklyn Sugar Refining Company, and remained with this concern for five years, (luring which time he had risen to the position of statement clerk. He then engaged in the manufacture of cereals in Brooklyn, under the firm name of Licht & Company, and in 1888 removed to Geneva, New York. There he organized the present stock company for the manufacture of cereals. The enterprise was started on a small scale, rather in the nature of an experiment, and from this slight beginning has developed the present important business. They employ an average of eighty men and consume about ten thousand bushels of grain daily, using principally white corn, which they receive direct from the corn belt in the western states. Their plant is a fine one, supplied with all the modern improvements, and they are continually adding to their producing facilities. Their shipments extend through the eastern states as far west as Cleveland, Ohio, and as far south as Washington, District of Columbia. The officers of the corporation are: President, Frederick Gilbert, of Utica, New York; vice-president, John H. Licht; secretary and treasurer, Louis J. Licht; superintendent, George F. Licht. All shipments from the plant are made in carload lots. Mr. Licht is independent in his political views. He has been a member of the board of public work for ten years. during which period he has served as president of the board for three years and is holding that office at the present time (1910) . He is a member of Blue Lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic fraternity, having served as commander for two years; was exalted ruler in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for two years, and has been again returned for that office; is a member of the Elks Club of Geneva.
Mr. Licht married, October, 1889, Carrie E. Galloup. Children Elizabeth L., born in Geneva, New York, December, 1890, was graduated from the Capen School, Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1910; Richard F.. born in Geneva, 1895, was graduated from the Geneva high school.
