LA MONT BROTHERS

LAMONT, LA MONT, IRVINE, ADAIR

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/10/2009 at 08:21:41

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
by Thomas McCulla

LA MONT BROTHERS.

One of the best known and most successful mercantile firms in their line in Cherokee, Iowa, is that of Lamont Brothers, who established themselves in business in the fall of 1896 by purchasing the interests of the firm of Polkingham. The present firm consists of James I. and William Lamont and they are not only engaged in the implement business but also sell buggies, wagons and automobiles. The brothers have been conspicuously successful as they are able and shrewd business men, following the most modern and progressive methods and as the spirit of fair dealing and considerate treatment has been the hallmark of their success.

James I. Lamont was born in County Down, Ireland, March 16, 1863, and is a son of William and Isabelle (Irvine) Lamont. The father was a farmer during all of his active life, following that line of industry in his native land, where he and his wife passed away. The paternal grandfather was John Lamont, who also spent his entire life in Erin.

James I. Lamont left the parental roof in his native land, where he was educated, in 1884, when twentyone years of age, making his way to the United States in order to participate in the advantages offered in this country to those who will profit by them. He first located in Shullsburg, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, following agricultural pursuits until 1888. In that year he came to Cherokee county, continuing along the same line until 1895, farming a quarter section in Rock township and a half section in Liberty township. Coming to Cherokee, he and his brother became the owners of their present business in the fall of 1896 and have since continued in the same with ever increasing success. Their fair and aboveboard methods have secured for them a large trade, and as the years have passed they have taken their place among the substantial men of this city.

On the 11th of March, 1891, Mr. Lamont was united in marriage to Miss Alice Adair, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Adair, of Cherokee. There are three children in the Lamont family, William, Prentice and James. Mr. Lamont is a member of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he takes a helpful interest. His political views coincide with the principles which are formulated by the republican party, although he has never cared for public office and gives most of his attention to his business. He is ever interested in matters of public moment and can always be found in the front ranks of those who lend their support to worthy public enterprises. The firm of Lamont Brothers, while it has been a source of gratifying prosperity to the owners, has also been a factor in the growth of Cherokee and their success will be considered as much a public asset as an example of individual achievement. Both James I. and William Lamont are popular and highly respected business men, and they have made a place for themselves in commercial circles of Cherokee county which may well be envied, yet is entirely merited.