Joseph Hamilton Lambert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Hamilton Lambert
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Lambert in his later years
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| Born | December 1, 1825 |
| Died | November 12, 1909 (aged 83) |
| Known for | Lambert cherry |
| Spouse(s) | Clementine Miller |
| Children | Albert W., Henry M., Carrie (Mrs. E. L. E. White), Mary (Mrs. A. B. Graham), Nellie, Elizabeth (Mrs. W. L. Wood), Lucy (Mrs. D. G. Woodard), and Grace |
Joseph Hamilton Lambert (born December 1, 1825 – died November 12, 1909) was an important American pioneer in Oregon. He was a skilled orchardist, which means he grew fruit trees. He is famous for creating the delicious Lambert cherry. Lambert was born in Indiana and also worked as a county commissioner in Oregon.
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Early Life in Oregon
Lambert was born on December 1, 1825, in Vigo County, Indiana. He grew up on a farm with his parents, Hugh and Nancy Lambert. When he was 20, he moved to Iowa to work and study.
In 1849, Lambert decided to head west again. He traveled along the famous Oregon Trail. He arrived in Oregon Country on September 14, 1850. He spent that winter in Salem.
Exploring and Surveying
In 1851, Lambert went to Yreka, California during the California Gold Rush. However, he soon returned to Oregon's Willamette Valley. There, he worked in a sawmill and helped haul logs.
Later, he joined a team that surveyed land. He helped map out important lines like the Willamette Meridian and the Willamette Baseline. These lines helped divide up land in Oregon.
Growing Fruit Trees
In 1853, Lambert started working for William Meek and Henderson Luelling. They had an orchard business. An orchard is a farm where fruit trees are grown.
In 1854, Lambert married Clementine Miller. They claimed a large piece of land in Powell Valley to start their own farm.
Taking Over the Orchard
Henderson Luelling's brother, Seth Lewelling, later bought out Henderson's share of the business. In 1859, Lambert and his father-in-law, Henry Miller, bought half of Meek's share.
At first, the orchard faced problems, like low apple prices. The trees also weren't producing much fruit. Lambert used new horticulture methods, which are ways of growing plants. In just two years, he made the trees healthy again. They started producing huge crops of apples.
Lambert eventually became the only owner of these orchards. They were important because they were the first to grow cultivated fruit in Oregon.
Developing the Lambert Cherry
Joseph Lambert is most famous for creating the Lambert cherry. He found a small cherry seedling growing under a Napoleon cherry tree in 1848. He then used a method called grafting. This means joining parts of two plants so they grow as one. He grafted the seedling onto a May Duke cherry tree.
In 1880, the top part of this tree died. But a new tree grew from its roots. This new tree produced a special kind of cherry. It was large, had a rich color, and tasted wonderful. It also had a small pit inside.
This new cherry quickly became very popular. Lambert introduced his cherry to the Oregon Horticultural Society in 1896. The Lambert cherry became one of the most important cherries grown in Oregon. People even called it the "finest cherry grown in America" in 1916.
Other Important Work
Besides growing fruit, Lambert also served his community. In 1858, he was elected to the county commission in Multnomah County. He also served as a commissioner for Clackamas County in 1864. County commissioners help manage local government.
In 1887, Lambert helped start the Oregon Horticultural Society. This group helps people learn about growing plants. In 1890, he helped create the Citizens Bank of Portland and became its president. He even managed to keep the bank open during a tough financial time in 1893.
Later Life and Legacy
Joseph and Clementine Lambert had ten children. Eight of them lived to be adults. One of their daughters, Elizabeth Lambert Wood, became an author.
Clementine Lambert passed away in the early 1890s. Joseph Lambert died in Portland, Oregon, on November 12, 1909. He was 83 years old.
Joseph H. Lambert is remembered as an important figure in Oregon's history. His name is honored in the Oregon State Capitol building. It is painted in the frieze of the House chamber. His former employer, Seth Lewelling, who developed the Bing cherry, is also honored in the Senate chamber.
