Judge Joseph Stampfli, dealer in furniture and undertakers' goods, was born October 5, 1840, in Canton, Solothura, Switzerland. His father, John Stampfli, was a merchant tailor by occupation, and came to America in the summer of 1853, locating in Jefferson City, and there passed an active and useful life. At his death, which occurred in the year 1874, he left five children by his marriage with Mary, the foster or step-mother of our subject. The latter attained his growth in Jefferson City, and spent a full apprenticeship at the printing business, which he followed for awhile and then abandoned on account of ill health. He served as a soldier in the late war in the three-months service, first call of troops, but was compelled to abandon his duty on account of ill health. He, however, followed the army work, organizing and mustering in two or three companies of soldiers, and was busy during the entire war. In the fall of 1866 he was appointed deputy sheriff and collector under G. H. Dulle, and served in that capacity about four years. He then spent nine years as book-keeper for Mr. Dulle, after which poor health caused him to abandon that work. In 1875 he engaged in his present business, which he ably represents. In 1871 he was elected alderman of his city, and served one term, from 1875 to 1880. He served on the school board of the city, as secretary and vice-president all the time, and treasurer of the board during the latter two years. In 1882 Mr. Stampfli wag elected presiding justice of Cole County Court, and served as such very acceptably to the people for four years. He was married here to Miss Elizabeth Kolkmeyer, of this city, and the daughter of Christopher Kolkmeyer. She died in 1874, leaving him two sons and two daughters: Katie, now the accomplished wife of Hugo Monig, and the mother of one son, Joseph; Annie, Christie and George. They buried the eldest son, Christie, beside the mother. Mr. Stampfli was married again in 1876, to Mrs. Josephine Philomena Hager, nee Freyvogel, of Pittsburg, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Stampfli are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and he is a member of the Catholic Knights of America. He has served very creditably as a member of the church committee for over thirteen years, and is still a member of it. He is also a member of the Jefferson City Building and Loan Association. Mr. Stampfli is a lineal descendant of President Stampfli, of the Swiss Republic.

Transcribed from:
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries, and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Company (1889).