Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1891-09-04

HON. JOSEPH f. LA MALE,
whose native land isSunny France. Mr.
LaMalle is member of the firm of Gun
dry, Gray Il Co. He was born in the city
of Havre, France, on the 18th day of
August, 1852; his mother dying while
he was boy of six years. The year
following his father came to America
bringing his boy along. They landed
in America, in the fall of 1859, locating
first at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where
the subject of our sketch enjoyed ad-
vantages of the excellent public schools.
At the age of twelve years young La
Male was thrown on his own resources
and started out to do battle with the
world, his only capital being sound
health and a big chunk of perseverance
and energy. He came to Wisconsin
in July, 1867, coming direct to Mineral
Point, where he, remained but brief
while in the employ of the Bellevue
Zinc Co., when he went to the town of
Highland twenty miles from this city.
AT Highland he obtained position in
the store of David a. Ellsworth. He
remained in Highland for period Of
eight years clerking for different firms
and engaging in the mercantile bus
mess on his own account until 1873
when he came to Mineral Point to
accept position in the house of
Gundry Il Gray. He continued with
this firm in the capacity of clerk until
Sept. -, 1888 when he became
partner in the concern by purchasing
an interest in it, Mr.. IlaMalle is now
general manager of the business the
buying of all goods for the firm is en-
trusted to him by his partners who
rely implicitly on him in all cases. re-
oognizing in him one whose judgment
as merchant is never at fault.
During the years Mr.. LaMalle was
resident of our neighboring town High
land he was several times hOnOTed by
his fellow townsmen who selected him
as their representative in the affairs of
of their village. Mr.. Laalalle filed all
JllC OlllCCS W Nllltli IlC NClO NtlllOI III
that village in such a manner as to
greatly increase the respect and esteem
in which all classes held him. He has
many warm friends in Highland and
though sixteen years has past he has
not been forgotten as was seen a short
while ago when he and the writer paid
visit to that village, his welcome
partaken of the nature of an ovation.
Since his coming to Mineral Point Mr..
LaMalle has been chosen to different
offices in this city. His first office was
that of alderman to which position he
was elected in 1882 and reelected in
1885. So ably had he filled these
positions that he was elected mayor
by rousing majority in 1888 and re-
elected in 1889, and again in 1890, AS
mayor of this city he has left record
to be proud of. During his first year
in office he caused to be paid off the
seminary loan, of $4,000 which the city
had been carry and paying interest on
for 81 years. Another marked feature
of his first year as mayor was his
placing of the railroad bonds at per
cent. which had for years been bearing
per cent. Mr. LaMalles administra-
ton of municipal affairs was of the
highest order and won for him the con-
fidence and support of all people. He
was inportuned to allow the use of his
name for reelection to the fourth term
but firmly refused desiring that others
should have the honor. Mr.. LaMalle
is a staunCh republican in politics never
swerving always ready to do battle for
the z. o. p. He had frequently been a
representative to the republican state
conventions and has been active at all
times in doing party service. Mr.. La
Male is member of the st. Mary's
German Catholic church of this city
and is vice-present of the st. Joseph
Benevolent Association of that church.
He was married in October, 1878 to
Miss Annie NJ. Amberg daughter of
Mr. John 4. Amberg former old and
highly respected pioneer of this city,
now residing in Chicago. Mr.. LaMalIe
has two children Annie aged eleven
and Willie aged eight both bright and
interesting little people. He resides
in the old Amberg homestead, a hand
some cottage-like house in delight
full neighborhood just west Of the city
park. Such is in brief a hurried sketch
Of one of our most popular citizens,
one who has the happy faculty of
making friends and keeping them as
is shown by the respect and esteem in
which he is held by all, man who
numbers his friends by the number Of
his acquaintance.