The Meeker herald., 1914-04-04
OBITUARY

LAKAMp-John Henry LaKamp. was
born in Auldendouph, Hanover,
Germany, April %, 1873. and died
At the home Of his daughter, Mre.
Nickel, ut Western, Neb., March
81, 1914, 20 would have boon - year.
Of age had he survived till the 20th
day of this month.
In 1880, when John H. was IL year1
Of age, his parents, who were Of good
sturdy German stock, enligratsd 70
the United States, and located q
Cincinnati, Ohio. After receiving
limited schooling, John was apprsn-
ticed to the tailoring trade; compist-
ing this, he followed 1t till 1889. WHOM
he came west and located In Saline
county, Nebraska. There he follow.
ed farming with profit until 1879,
when he came to Colorado, and fol-
lowed the prevailing order of tho day
mining and prospecting-till 1854,
when, with many other argonauts,
he Joined in the stampede for the
carbonate excitement on the head
waters Of south branch Of White
river. Finding nothing worthy Of
attention in the supposed carbonate
field, Mr.. LaKamp resolved to ex-
plore the country westward with >
view to agricultural and stockraisiuS
possibilities; so he got down on the
south branch Of White, and followed
1t till he reached the main stream.
Following down the river to the
point where beautiful Elk creek
discharges into White river, his eyes
feasted on small, but beautiful val
ley. There he resolved to make hia
home; and there resided for over .
quarter of = century.
Returning to Leadville, Mr.. La
Kamp procured = few head Of stock,
necessary household articles, sup
piles needed for the ensuing winter,
and, with his family, started for the
site of the future home. The trip
was q hard and dangerous one; many
mountain torrents had to be forded ;
roads had to be cut through thu
wilderness. but indomitable couraSs
and the pioneer spirit prevailed.
J. H. LaKamp, was the first per-
manent settler on the upper White,
Hard work, combined with inta1if.
gence, made Of him . suoces6fa1
farmer and stockraiser. His tfosl
will and strong constitution kept hi1(
1t work till close to ninety, when 49,
turned the place over to his con, ~
bert, and moved to Meeker to tes1
About . year ago, Hhs L.aeAs
went to reside with his daughter,
Mrs. B. F. Nickel, st Western, Neb.,
where he lapsed into the peaceful
slumber that closed . long and
honorable career.
Deceased was man of strong con-
victions; the soul Of honesty, and
earned the respect Of all who knew
him.
The aged wife died some years ago
also four Of the ten children born to
the worthy couple. OF the living
children, are - Mrs. Nickel, Mrs.
David Steele, Mrs. John Nottingham,
Charles, Albert and Frank, and q
large number Of grand and great
grand children are left to do homage
to the memory of the departed.
A nephew, Mr.. J. 8. Nickel, ac-
companied the remains from West
ern, Neb to Meeker.
The funeral services, which were
In charge Of the local lodge of Odd
Fellows, was held from st. James
church last Friday afternoon, Rev.
Bacon officiating.
Messrs. F. e. Sheridan, 7. d. Riley
J. L. Tagert, }. E. Rooney, L. Evan
Cleave and A. G. Robertson, of VAL
entine lodge acting, as pallbearers.
The remains were laid to rest In
Highland cemetery besides those of
the departed wife.