Bio: Lamer, Joseph (1862 - 19??)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Lamer, Pfohl

----Source: History of Marathon County Wisconsin and Representative Citizens, by Louis Marchetti, 1913.

Lamer, Joseph (16 December 1862 - 19??)

Joseph Lamer, who is one of the, leading agriculturists of the town of Holton, where his well improved farm of 120 acres is situated, was born in Bohemia, Austria, December 16, 1862, and is a son of Frank and Anna (Pfohl) Lamer.

Joseph Lamer grew to the age of nineteen years in Austria and Germany and then determined to seek his fortune in America as other of his countrymen had done. He was not very well equipped for such an undertaking and this he fully realized before he reached Marathon County, Wis., his objective point, and if he had possessed sufficient capital to enable him to do so, he no doubt would have purchased a return ticket to his old home. Thus he probably would never have developed the energy and enterprise which were natural to his nature and Marathon County would never have profited as it has done through his influence and example of sturdy citizenship. He was, however, then just a homesick boy, with a sole capital of thirty dollars. His first resolve was to secure a month's work and when paid off to buy that coveted ticket for home and the old familiar surroundings, grown dear through the haze of absence. After one month of labor he decided that he could endure a little longer stay in Wisconsin and by the time that period of activity was over he had made friends and had commenced to like the country and concluded to keep to his original intention and make Marathon county his home. Although he anticipated hard work as a farmer he found it very laborious during his first three years, and then gave it up for three years during which time he worked in the iron mines of Northern Michigan. Then he returned to farming and through perseverance and very hard work developed what is acknowledged to be one of the finest farms in this part of the county. Practically it is all improved and here he carries on general farming and dairying. Mr. Lamer may feel justified in taking pride in his success as he has won it through his unassisted efforts and today is one of the representative men of Marathon County, possessing the esteem and confidence of all who know him.

Mr. Lamer was married to Miss Emma Denzine and they have five children: Elzie, Anna, Rosa, Joseph and Herman. At times Mr. Lamer has accepted public offices in his town and has served on the town board and as school director. At the time of the great Lewis and Clark Exposition held at Portland, Ore., Mr. Lamer attended and while there enjoyed a visit with a brother and before his return to Wisconsin traveled all through the Pacific Northwest but came back well satisfied with Marathon county.