 Trained as an engineer on the Mississippi River, he was certified chief engineer with the St. Louis Association of Steamboat Engineers at age 25.In 1849, he moved west with the California Gold Rush, piloting the "Blackhawk", a steamer, on the Sacramento River.Kamm moved to Oregon in 1850 after being hired by the Milwaukie founder Lot Whitcomb onto his ship, "The Lot Whitcomb", being the chief engineer on the Willamette River.