Lamb, John A. – 1843-1885

LAMB, RYAN

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 6/14/2017 at 14:24:26

Death of John A. Lamb
Last Saturday morning our people were again startled by the announcement of the sudden death of another of our former well-known citizens – Mr. John A. Lamb, at Chicago. Few of his friends here were aware that he was not in the enjoyment of the best of health. However, his family have known that for about two months his health has been declining, and a few weeks ago he came to Colfax and remained awhile, hoping to derive benefit from the use of the spring water. But it seems that instead of getting better, his disease was gradually getting a firmer hold upon him.
After leaving Colfax, he returned to Chicago to receive treatment from a physician in whom he had great confidence, and under whose care and skill he expected soon to be restored to health, and for a time he seemed to be growing better. On Friday last, he partook of a hearty dinner, and seemed as well as could be expected, but soon afterward he complained of feeling strangely – holding his hands up before him, said that his eyes were failing, and he could not see – and then seemed to quietly drop into a deep sleep. When his physician called, he also thought him sleeping, but on going to him, was shocked to find that his sleep was the long one, and could know no wakening in this world. A telegram was immediately sent to his friends here, who received it early in the evening, and his father immediately began preparation to take the train for Chicago – hoping to reach the bedside of his son before death claimed him; but soon another telegram came announcing his death. The father took the mid-night train for the city and returned on Monday with the body.
John A. Lamb was the oldest son of Caleb and Olive J. Lamb, of this city. He was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, Nov. 2, 1843. His father removed to Newton in October 1850, when John was about seven years of age. During the war he was commissioned as post master in this city, and served in that capacity for several years. In 1863 he was married to Miss Maggie Ryan, who with three children survives him. In 1866 he removed his family to Chicago where he was engaged in business and remained there until 1877, when he removed his family to Newton. He, however, continued his connection as traveling agent for a leading mercantile house – making his headquarters in that city – and his duties making it necessary for him to be on the road almost constantly and he has been at home but occasionally for some years. To our older citizens he has been known from his boyhood. His age was 41 years, 5 months and 15 days.
The funeral was held at the M.E. church on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. R. A. Carnine, preaching the sermon. The services were under the direction of the Masonic Lodge, of which fraternity he had long been a member. To his wife, children, parents and friends, the heartiest sympathy of all is extended in their sore affliction.
Source: Newton Daily News; April 29, 1885