Charles Tamme San Miguel County, New Mexico

Charles Tamme, city clerk of Las Vegas, was born in the duchy of Braunschweig, January 27, 1844. He was educated in Germany and in 1865 came to the United States for recreation and travel, intending to return to his native land. However, he crossed the plains four or five times, freighting with ox and mule teams. Being pleased with this country he determined to make it his home and has lived at different times in Milwaukee, St. Joe and Neenah, Wisconsin. He has also visited more western and northern towns as a freighter and in 1867 he went to Trinidad, Colorado, with government freight. In 1871 he engaged in the stock business in that locality, continuing therein for three or four years, and at the same time he occupied the position of clerk in the United States Hotel at that place.

In the spring of 1879 Mr. Tamme came to Las Vegas, located on the east side of the city and engaged in business here. It was largely through his influence that James Hamilton, the noted shoe merchant of St. Louis, built an opera house which he rented to Mr. Tamme, and which was called the Ward & Tamme Opera House. This was in 1882. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Tamme erected another opera house, which is a fine, substantial building. This was done at the suggestion of Frederick Warde, the actor, and has been a valuable addition to amusement circles of the city. He also built one of the early business blocks here and has erected one of the finest residences in Las Vegas.

In his political views Mr. Tamme is in harmony with many of the principles of democracy, and vet is liberal. He always takes an active interest in public affairs concerning the progress and welfare of his city, and has been the champion of many movements for the general good. He was a member of the first city council of Las Vegas, elected in 1882, and also a member of the first city council of East Las Vegas in 1887. In 1897 he was chosen city clerk and has since filled that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In fact he has won high encomiums in all the various offices that he has filled.

Mr. Tamme was married in 1882 to Miss Emelie Schaeffer, a native of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and their children are: Eunice, who is a teacher in the schools of Las Vegas; Lawrence, and Emma. In the same year of his marriage Mr. Tamme was made a Mason in Las Vegas, and he now holds membership in Chapman lodge No. 2, A. F. & A. M.; Las Vegas chapter No. 3. R. A. M. and Las Vegas commandery No. 2, K. T. He is also a clerk of the local camp of the Woodmen of the World.

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Source: History of New Mexico, Its Resources and People, Volume II, Pacific States Publishing Co., 1907.

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