James P Lambertson

James P. Lambertson, Sheriff of Monroe county, Iowa, now residing in Albia, is a native of the Hawkeye State, his birth having occurred in Des Moines county, on the 19th of July, 1849. His father was the Rev. George W. Lambertson, a Methodist minister, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1822. His father, John Lambertson, was a native of Wales. After arriving at man's estate, George Lambertson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Kell, also a native of Greene county, born in 1823, and a daughter of Thomas Kell, of Scotch descent. After living for a time in the Buckeye State he removed with his family to Dearborn county, Indiana¸ and subsequently to Iowa, locating on a farm and making his home there until 1845, in which year he took up his residence in Des Moines county, which continued the place of his abode until 1850, when he removed to Monroe county, locating on a farm in Bluff Creek township. He there carried on general farming and stock-raising until 1872, when he sold his property there and removed to Monroe township. Again he purchased a farm making it his home until his death, which occurred August 24, 1893. His wife passed away in the same house, August 24, 1894. In his political views George Lambertson was an old-line Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks and marched under its banner until his life's labors were ended. For a number of years he served as Justice of the Peace of Bluff Creek township. He was a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his upright, honorable life was one worthy of emulation.

Mr. Lambertson of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth of the ten children, five sons and five daughters are now living, namely: B.U.G., a well known resident of Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. M. J. Hilliard, of Monroe county; James P., of this review; Rebecca, wife of S. C. May, of the State of Washington; Emma F., wife of J. M. Hanna, a resident of Marshalltown; Lucinda M., wife of John Love, of Monroe county; and Robert E., who is living on the old family homestead. Those deceased are Hannah A., John H. and William.

Our subject was reared on the old family homestead in Monroe county, and attended the district schools near by until reaching his eighteenth year. He continued to give his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority, when he began farming on his own account in Bluff Creek township, remaining there for six years, when he entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Albia. He continued his connection with that company for eleven years and one month, serving in the capacity of freight clerk. There are no companies or corporations which demand more faithful service on the part of the employees than do the railroad companies and the fact of his long continued service plainly indicates his fidelity to duty and to the trust reposed in him.

In 1891 Mr. Lambertson was elected to the office of Sheriff of Monroe county for a term of two years, and entered upon the duties of that position on the 1st of January, 1892. On the expiration of the first term he was re-elected, and is now the incumbent. He is fearless and prompt in the discharge of his duties, and is proving a most competent officer. Socially he is connected with Monroe Lodge, No. 81, I.O.O.F., and also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

In August, 1871, Mr. Lambertson was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Hilliard, daughter of Lewis and Maria Hilliard, of Monroe county. They have six children: William L., who is serving as Deputy Sheriff; Elnora J., wife of Samuel Pill, of Albia, Iowa; Viola¸ twin sister of Elnora¸ and the wife of John Pencil, of Iowa; Emmett L.; George L. and Walter E.