The Norfolk weekly news-journal., 1908-01-31
WILLIAM LAMBERT DEAD
FOUNDER OF THE TOWN OF NE.
LloH PASSES AWAY.
WAS SIXTY FIVE YEARS OLD
A Pioneer Of Nebraska Who Has Been
Prominent in Making History.
Named Town OF Neigh for His
Partner, John D. Neigh.

Partner, John D. Neigh.
Neigh Neb., Jan. 25.-Special to
The News: After an illness that ex-
tended over three months from en-.
largement of the heart, Mr. William
B. Lambert died at his home in this
city at $3.50 last night.
Mr.. Lambert was born at Nockamix-
on, Bucks county, Pa, May 6, 1S43.
He resided here for number of years
when he moved to the village of
Bridgeton, where he spent his youth
full days. He attended the public
school and Milford academy in winter
time. In the summer he worked in a
butcher shop, and part of the time as
a drover.
When the war broke out he offered
to enlist, but was rejected on account
of disability He then taught school
for a year, and in the fall of 1862 went
to Washington ID. c., and was en-
ployed in the quartermaster's depart.
ment. In the latter part of 1863 he
sold newspapers in the army of the
Potomac, and in 1864 returned to Hun
terdon county, New Jersey, and worked
on his step-fathers farm and can.
vassed for county maps.
In the spring of 1866 he came to
Omaha and worked at different pur.
suits, and was clerk and porter in a
wholesale and retail grocery store part
of the time. In March, 1869, he went
to West Point, Cunning county, and
clerked in the store of Neigh, Doug
las & Bruner, and the next year en-
gagged in the hardware business in
company with A. Clemens. This firm
was the first to start in that business
north of Fremont. He was member
of the first village board Of West Point,
when the town was first incorporated.
In 1873, in company with John d.
Neigh and ]. B. Thompson, he came
to Neigh and was one of the founders
of the town, which Mr.. Lambert him.
self named "Neligh." He built a
store building on the town site 24x40
feet, drawing the lumber from West
Point. He also freighted a stock of
goods from that place by team, and
opened up his store the latter part of
July. July A. 1873, was celebrated by
a dance in Mr.. Lamberts store build
ing, this being the first celebration in
the new town. Mr.. Lambert continued
to deal in general merchandise until
1878, when he sold out In 1874 he
sold an interest in the same to w. G.
Galloway and the new firm also pur-
chased the grist mill and saw mill,
and about one-third of the townsite.
In June, 1892, Mr.. Lambert sold his
interest in the mill to his partner.
January IA, 1880, he was appointed
by President Hayes as receiver Of the
United States land Office at Norfolk
and in 1884 was re-appointed by Presi-
dent Arthur, continuing to hold the
office until October |, 1888. In poll
tics, Mr.. Lambert has always been an
active republican, casting his first vote
coin in 1864. He represented Ante
lope county in the Nebraska house OF
representatives in 1877-79, and took an
active part in the election of Alvin
Saunders to the United States senate,
During 1881 he took an active inter
est in securing the location of Gates
college of this city, and contributed
literally toward that enterprise. He
was elected as one of the first trustees,
which position he held for number
of years. He was also treasurer from
the organization of the college up to
1892, when he resigned, having served
eleven years. At the time Of his death
he was treasurer of the city OF Neigh
which Office he has held for nearly
twelve years. He was the first notary
public appointed in Antelope county
the date being 1874. In 1855 he serv
ed as postmaster in Neigh, and during
his administration it was made mon
ey order Office.
Mr.. Lambert's library contains many
volumes of history and biography and
he was one of the best informed persons
of the state on the subject of biogra
ply. 1t has only been a short time
ago, in conversation with The News
representative, that he wished he coulc
live at least five years longer. 1t was
his ambition to write a history of An
telope county, a large amount OF ma
terial having already been gathered
by him for the work. He not only hat
complete file of the Omaha Bee, but
also other state and county papers.
The deceased is survived by wife
son and daughter, who were at his
bedside during the last Illness.
The funeral will be held tomorrow
at the house. Rev. Y. F, Clark of the
- l. l. IL na IL. L.