FIDELUS J. LAMM, deceased, was widely and favorably known as one of the most reliable and valued citizens of Silver Creek Township, to which he came during its early settlement, and by his example of thrift and industry, put idleness to shame, and presented an admirable example of the perseverance and enterprise which characterized his substantial German ancestry.

Mr. Lamm first opened his eyes to the light in Baden, Germany, Feb. 25, 1822. In the spring of 1838, he set sail from the Fatherland, accompanied by his parents, resolving to seek his fortune in the New World. They landed at Buffalo, where they remained until the death of the father, which occurred one year later. Young Lamm then having in view the comfort of his mother and her family, and their welfare for the future, turned his steps westward, and finally located in Niles, Mich., whence a year later he migrated to this county, and took up his abode in Silver Creek Township. Here he was variously employed until the coming on of the California gold excitement, when he joined the caravan moving toward the Pacific Slope, and spent the nine years following among the mines. His success was variable, and he was fortunate in one respect, namely, that he escaped with his good constitution unimpaired, and if perhaps no richer in purse, had gained much experience by contact with different people, and in roaming over some of the most picturesque portions of the Western Continent.

Upon his return, Mr. Lamm again took up his abode in Silver Creek Township. In June, 1865, while traveling through Marengo, Ill., his mother was killed by being run over by a train which backed upon her while she was walking on the track. She was then eighty-three years of age. Our subject had in the meantime been married to Miss Mary A. Kachelhoffer, when in Silver Creek Township, June 6, 1862. This lady was the daughter of Joseph and Magdalene (Bauer) Kachelhoffer, natives of Alsace, Germany. Mr. K. was a wagon-maker by trade, and emigrated to the United States after his marriage, locating first in Boston Township, Erie Co., N. Y., where he lived some time, and then removed to Buffalo Plains. Subsequently the family all came to Illinois, locating in Silver Creek Township in the spring of 1850. Here the father built up a good homestead, and died on his farm, July 1, 1880, at sixty-two years of age. The mother died Oct. 28, 1876, when she was over sixty years old. They connected with the Catholic Church in Freeport. Mrs. Lamm remained with her parents until her marriage with our subject, which resulted in the birth of seven children. Those living are Frank A., who manages the farm, and is in all respects a dutiful son; Jefferson W., Mary M., Charles and Rosa B., are at home with their parents. Those deceased are Flora E. and Mary J. The parents and children belong to the Catholic Church, and Frank A., politically, is a stanch Democrat.

The Lamm homestead comprises 200 acres of highy cultivated land, and with its appurtenances, forms a most desirable estate in Silver Creek Township. On e of its most interesting features is an old building constructed of black walnut and oak, which has probably stood the longest of any building of the kind in the county. It was used successively as a post-office, hotel, court-room, and for other purposes. The hand of time has loosened the joints and left its impress upon the timbers and it is now standing comparatively idle, a silent witness of the past.

Contributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 501.