LEHMANN, Jacob L.

LEHMANN

Posted By: Carolyn J. Lehman Cooper (email)
Date: 9/3/2006 at 21:49:16

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF DES MOINES COUNTY, IOWA,
CHICAGO, HOBART PUBLISHING COMPANY, 1905, PAGE 764:
JACOB L. LEHMANN

The name of Lehmann is one that has long been identified with the business and musical circles of Burlington, Iowa, and in both of these the subject of the present review is proving his right to an increasing measure of consideration. Mr. Lehmann was born in Burlington September 4, 1868, a son of Joseph and Mary (Follard) Lehmann, and the family in America was founded by his grandfather, who was a resident of Baden-Baden, Bermany, where he was a musician, and whence he came to the United States about the year 1855. The grandfather is now deceased, having died at the age of seventy-two years. The father of Mr. Lehman also now deceased, was by trade a cigarmaker, and was a musician and composer of talent. He never pulbished his compositions and thus never became known to the general public, but as a musical performer and director attained a large local popularity, being the director of Lehmann's band and orchestra in Burlington, which he always maintained at a high standard of efficiency, and with which he visited many surrounding towns and cities, everywhere gaining great praise. He is survived by his widow, now residing in Burlington, and they were the parents of nine children, as follows:

Joseph, who died in boyhood; Louisa; Emma, widow of Dr. Charles Behrens; Charles; Leopold, now deceased; Mary, wife of Anton Grothe; Jacob L., our subject; Berthe, wife of Andrew Fallert; and Edward Henry.

Mr. Lehmann was educated in the Catholic parochial school and in the public schools of Burlington, and his musical training began at a very early age, he playing in his father's orchestra at the age of seven years, and ever afterward continuing one of its members. As a means of livelihood, he learned the trade of house-painting, which he followed for a period of nine or ten years, sub- sequently traveled extensively as a musician in theatrical and circus companies, visiting in this capacity the leading cities and towns of a large part of the country, and playing every sort of musical instrument. Among the organizations, with which he was connected, may be mentioned the McIntyre and Heath Minstrels, the Weber Comedy Company, and A Duck, Dog and Poultry Show, and Andrews & Shomes's Circus. During the last two years he has been proprietor and manager of a progressive confectionery establishment and news- stand on Eighth Street, Burlington, in the conduct of which his wide popu- larity, combined with diligent and careful management, has brought him excellent success.

Mr. Lehmann and his brother Charles are proprietors of Lehmann's Orchestra, which they took under their charge at their father's death, and of which Mr. Lehmann had been director prior to that time. His efforts have worn for the orchestra a still greater measure of public favor than it formerly enjoyed, and its merits are widely recognized. For two years he was, in addition, musical director at Ferris Wheel Park, in Burlington, and for one year at Ebner's Park. May 26, 1888, he wedded Miss Mary Ohle, a native of Halmstad, Sweden, whence at two years of age she came to America with her father, Louis Ohle, of Schles- weig-Holstein, and her mother, Sophie Ohle, who was born at Halmstadt. The father of Mrs. died after his removal to America, but the mother survives, and is a resident of this city. Mr. Lehmann is a gifted composer, and has published several works that have attained genuine popularity, among them the "Blue Label March," "McKinley's Funeral March," the waltz entitled "I Am A Buffalo," a two-step published by Lyon and Heaty, of Chicago, entitled, "South Carolina Sunshine," and "Ione," a march and two-step. Unpublished pieces are: "So Lovely Waltzes," a march entitled, "Robert J.," "Chicago Blonde Two-step". Thus musical and business activity have absorbed his most earnest thought, although he makes a study of public questions. He has not, however, allied himself with any political party, but acts independently in the exercise of his duty as an elector, casting his ballot for good government, as he personally conceives it. Fraternally, he has been a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, in which he was a valued worker, and his social connections are numerous and pleasant, for he has earned the esteem and regard of all with whom he has come in contact.