Representative John Edward Lamb

John Edward Lamb (December 26, 1852 – August 23, 1914) was an American lawyer and Democratic politician who served one term as a U.S. Representative from Indiana from 1883 to 1885. During his single term in Congress, he represented his Indiana constituents in the House of Representatives and contributed to the legislative process at a significant period in American history.

Lamb was born in Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana, on December 26, 1852. He attended the common schools of Terre Haute and was graduated from Terre Haute High School. After completing his formal schooling, he pursued the study of law, preparing for a professional career in the legal field in his native city.

In 1873, Lamb was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in Terre Haute, Indiana. Demonstrating early promise as a lawyer and public servant, he was elected prosecuting attorney of the fourteenth judicial circuit of Indiana, a position he held from 1875 to 1880. In this capacity he was responsible for representing the state in criminal prosecutions, gaining experience that would inform his later political and legal work.

Lamb was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-eighth Congress and served as a Representative from Indiana from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1885. As a member of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives, he participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his constituents during a period marked by post–Civil War adjustment and the continued development of national economic and political institutions. His service encompassed one full term in office, after which he was not returned to Congress.

After leaving Congress in 1885, Lamb resumed the practice of law in Terre Haute. On July 10, 1885, he was appointed United States district attorney for Indiana, serving in that federal prosecutorial post until August 16, 1886. In addition to his legal practice and federal service, he remained active in Democratic Party affairs at the national level. He served as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1892, 1896, 1904, 1908, and 1912, reflecting his continued influence and engagement in party politics over several decades.

John Edward Lamb died in Terre Haute, Indiana, on August 23, 1914. He was interred in Calvary Cemetery in his hometown, closing a life spent largely in public and professional service within the state of Indiana.