Among the prominent buisness men and respresentative citizens of Elkader may fairly be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He embarked in the mercantile business in Elkader in 1878, and has met with good success. He carries a complete stock of general merchandise, valued at $12,000. Mr. Lamm was born in Erie County, N.Y., Mar. 17, 1848, and was a son of Arbogast and Mary Ann Lamm, of German birth, who emigrated to the United States in an early day. Joseph was reared on a farm and is chiefly self-educated. At the early age of thirteen years he left home to make his own way in the world, engaging as clerk in a mercantile store at Elkader. From there he went to Mederville, where he remained until 1869, then returned to Elkader. He was employed in the postoffice here three years, then was appointed mail agent on the I.E.R.R., holding that poisition until he embarked in his present business. He was married in 1880 to Ella S. Packer, who was born in Connecticut and was a daughter of James and Mary A. Packer, likewise natives of that State. In politics Mr. Lamm is a Republican. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 661-662 |