oseph Thamann was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 15, 1864, and lived there until 1885, having been engaged in general merchandise business with his brothers under the firm name of Thamann Bros. He concluded to follow Horace Greeley's advice and went to Colorado. Not liking that country, he went to San Francisco, working for the Edison Electric Company, now the General Electric Company, remaining with them there six years, when they sent him to Redlands to do some of their work. Concluding to remain here, he was soon engaged as foreman by the Redlands Electric Light and Power Company, serving them faithfully until September 26, 1896, when by as unfortunate accident in stringing wires at Mentone he lost his balance, falling between two live wires, on which he clung with each arm until rescued. He was terribly burned, and his recovery was thought impossible, but after submitting to an amputation of both arms and enduring untold-of-sufferings for a period of six months he left the hospital and returned to Redlands, bright, chipper and cheerful. He then entered into a partnership with I. M. Hough in his well established cigar and tobacco, confectionery and ice cream business, under the firm name of Hough & Thamann. During the summer the firm made some desirable improvements, thereby separating the confectionery and ice cream business from the cigar store. They enjoy a fine patronage in both lines, and have fine accommodations for ladies. Mr. Hough's portrait will be found in the front of this work, Mr. Thamann was married to Miss. K. Reilly, of San Francisco, May 25, 1895, and on May 23, 1897, became the proud father of an infant daughter, who has been named Agnes Frances Thamann.

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 78.)