Leon Heck

“ We can assume, too, without danger of indulging in an extreme flight of fancy [6] that young Augustine began life in Prague under favorable circumstances. From an early age he no doubt took a decided interest in his lessons and in outdoor life; and the instruction that he obtained from Nature, especially the study of geology, greatly influenced his later life. Prague at that time was an influential and beautiful city where young Herrman grew up among refined surroundings and among men and women of the world. ”

“ But the source material for this early period of Herrman's life is non-existent, and it is likely that he grew up amidst refined ease much like other well born lads of Bohemia.
But it was not long until this pleasant and leisurely life in the beautiful city of Prague was destined to be brought to an unhappy close. He could not have been very old when the storm clouds of religious dissension began to gather over Bohemia, to divide the people into two conflicting groups and to drive into exile those who clung to the Protestant form of worship. ”

“ Regardless of whether Herrman fought in the Old World quarrels, by temperament he was not likely to have become a successful soldier. As he grew older America took shape in his mind as the most desirable place to live; adventure and travel beyond the seas were more enticing to his active and vigorous mind than a military life on the continent of Europe with its ceaseless round of political and religious controversies. He lived in an admirable city to prepare his mind for the attainment of his desire to travel. ”