Joseph Leicht, editor and publisher, now deceased, was one of the best known and influential Germans of the Northwest. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1845, attended the public schools and the gymnasium of his native place, and then entered the University of Wuerzburg, from which he graduated. In 1867he came to America, and secured employment on the "Abendaeitung and Neue Welt." St. Louis, Mo., until 1869. In May, 1869 he came up the Mississippi river by boat, landed at Fountain City, Wis., and entered the employ of the "Buffalo County Republikaner." In 1871 he purchased this paper, and publishedit as a Democratic sheet. The venture was successful and the paper under the new management enjoyed a large circulation. In the meantime, Mr. Leicht began looking about for a location in a larger business center. Accordingly he came to Winona and on January 21, 1881, issued the first number of the "Westlicher Herold."

In May, 1887, he established the "Sonntags Winona" and in November, 1899, the "Volksblatt des Westens." In March, 1902, he established the "National Farmer and Familien Journal." Through these papers he wielded a great influence, and was duly alive to the responsibilites of such influence. His voice was ever raised in favor of the right and honest, and all his influence was toward progress tempered with conservative judgment. People relied upon him and followed his lead. Those who did follow his lead were never disappointed, and he never led in any line that he was not thoroughly convinced was the line of righteousness and good sense. In 1904, the Westlicher Herold Publishing Company was incorporated with Joseph Leicht as president. This company assisted in the progress of Winona by giving employment to many people, and in its operations contributed materially to the business integrity and solidity of the city. Mr. Leicht was a man of jovial disposition, and delighted to associate with men of his own turn of mind. He was a Popular member and at times an office holder in the B. P. O. E., the U. T. C., the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. E. and other organizations. August 20, 1894, at Columbus, O., he was elected Supreme Arch, the highest office of the Supreme Grove of the United Ancient Order of Druids, and filled this position with much credit. Socially he was connected with the Arlington Club and the Philharmonic Society of Winona. In politics, Mr. Leicht was a Democrat, and in 1892, he was the unanimous choice of his party as a candidate for state treasurer. He also served for a time as a member of the school board of Winona, and in this capacity did excellent service. He died May 8, 1908, on the German-Lloyd steamship, Luetzow, while en route for the old country. His remains were brought back to their final resting place at Woodlawn cemetary, Winona, on May 29, 1908. His death was mourned sincerely throughout the Northwest. The subject of this sketch was married at Fountain City, April 8, 1870, to Henrietta Schmid, who died March 18, 1908, but a few days prior to Mr. Leicht's death.

This writeup was found in The history of Winona County, Minnasota--- volumn 1 Published by Chicago H. C. Cooper Jr. & Co. 1913

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