Amanda Lamme
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 41° 36.782 W 103° 00.230
13T E 666319 N 4608736
Quick Description: Historical marker commemorating the perils facing pioneers along the wagon trails. Marker is located along US 385 south of Brigdeport.
Location: Nebraska, United States
Date Posted: 8/20/2007 5:05:07 PM
Waymark Code: WM21NM
Views: 25
Long Description:
AMANDA
LAMME
On June 23, 1850, twenty-eight-year-old Amanda Lamme, a
California-bound emigrant, died of cholera and was buried near here
in what is now private pastureland. She was the wife of M.J. Lamme
of Boone County, Missouri, and mother of three daughters. The
monument that marks her grave was erected in 1912. It was
incorrectly engraved with the name Amanda Lamin.
Between 1842 and 1859 an estimated 20,000 emigrants, about 5
percent of the total, died along the overland trails. Cholera in
1849, 1859, and 1852 caused many adult deaths. Few children died
from this. Malaria, smallpox, measles, and dysentery took a toll of
children and adults alike.
Although wagons moved slowly, people were sometimes crushed
beneath the wheels. Drownings were common at river crossings.
Accidental shootings were frequent because many travelers were
unfamiliar with the use of firearms. Contrary to movie and
television portrayals, few emigrants were killed by Indians. The
risk of death probably was about the same for the emigrants as for
the people who stayed at home. ~ text of marker