Lamm, Joseph 1848 - 1914

LAMM, REUTHER, PACKER, HIGGINS, STEYER, STICH, GIFFORD, CLIFT

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/9/2020 at 13:38:38

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 02 Apr. 1914.

A sense of personal loss and sorrow was felt by almost all of our people as the news of the death of Joseph Lamm was spread about last Monday. Mr. Lamm, who was a chronic sufferer of asthma and bronchitis, had been poorly for some time and the early part of last week went to Prairie du Chien in hopes that the baths would help him. Instead of being helped he caught a severe cold, which resulted in bronchial pneumonia, terminating in his death at about 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 30th.

Joseph Lamm was born in Erie county, New York, March 17th, 1848, the son of Arbogast and Mary Ann Lamm. His father, who was a native of Germany, came to the United States in 1832, locating in New York state and in 1853 he came to Clayton County with his family and settled on a farm in Wagner township.

At the age of thirteen the son Joseph came to Elkader and attended the public school here for three years, after which he started work as a clerk in the store of his uncle, L. Reuther, of this place. From here he went to Mederville for a time, returning to Elkader in 1869 to accept the position of deputy postmaster. He was employed in the post office for three years and then was appointed mail clerk on the Iowa Eastern R.R. holding that position for about five years.

In 1878 he started in the general merchandise business in Elkader and continued as one of our business men until his death. He also was station agent at Elkader from 1878 until 1892 and that year built the elevator here. In addition to his other business he has at various times been engaged in the creamery business, in stock and grain buying, the handling of coal and ice and other lines of business. For a number of years he has been an officer of the First National Bank.

Handicapped when a child by an illness that left him lame for life, he fought his way upward through life by sheer ability and force of character.

In 1880 he was married to Miss Ella S. Packer, of Clermont, who will ever cherish the memory of the beautiful companionship which has existed between them in the years since then.

Mr. Lamm's life was one of moral cleanliness, integrity and honor in business, kindliness and friendly sociability to those who knew him best.

He was successful financially and in attaining that success we know of no reproach that can be brought against him, but instead he has helped in the advancement and growth of the community. He will be sorely missed.

Mr. Lamm was a member of Elkader Lodge No. 72, A.F. & A.M.; Harmony Chapter No. 41, R.A.M.; Charity Chapter No. 152, O.E.S.; and Mystic Camp No. 319, M.W.A.

Beside his wife and other relatives in Elkader, he leaves behind him three sisters, Mrs. Mary Higgins and Mrs. Celia Steyer, both of Decorah, and Mrs. Elizabeth Schaefer, of Eugene, Oregon; also two brothers, Edward Lamm, of Watertown, S.D., and Henry Lamm, of Harlan, Iowa.

In death he was preceded by a sister and two brothers, Mrs. Theresa Stich, and Mr. Xavier Lamm, of Elkader, and Theodore Lamm, of Watertown, S.D.

The funeral services were held this afternoon, first a prayer at the house and then services at the Congregational church, Rev. R. G. Heddon officiating, assisted by Rev. C. P. Meeker, of Chicago. Interment was in the East Side cemetery with the impressive burial service of the Masons. The pall bearers were his brothers-in-law, G. M. Gifford and Walter Clift, with his nephews, Elliott J. Gifford, Kit C. Gifford, Joe Clift and Louis Lamm.

Among those present from abroad were William Larrabee, Jr., of Clermont; Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Gifford, of St. Paul; Walter Clift and son Joe, of North Yakima, Wash; Kit C. Gifford, of Kennewick, Wash.; Mrs. Celia Steyer, of Decorah; Mr. Edward Lamm, of Watertown, S.D.; Louis Lamm, of Chicago; Louis Steyer, of Pomeroy, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Higgins, of Decorah; and Mr. Silas Appleman, of Clermont.