Frank Lambert.
In the nine years which have elapsed since Mr. Lambert established the Lambert Mercantile Business in Polson, the concern has, under his careful and wise management, made rapid strides in development and progress. From a small, unpretentious affair, the business has grown to be the large and flourishing establishment it is today, and it is one of the solidest, best paying and generally up-to-date concerns in this part of the state. It now occupies a fine two story building and a large warehouse adjoining, with a meat market in connection. Up until three years ago Mr. Lambert conducted the business alone, but in 1909 he took a partner in the person of Mr. Grove, who has since shared the responsibilities with him.
Frank Lambert was born in Jefferson, Ash county, North Carolina, on October 2, 1871, and is the son of Reuben and Mary Lambert. The father, who was a native of North Carolina, was born in 1842, and died in 1898 at the age of fifty-six years. He passed his life in agricultural pursuits, and died in the state in which he was born and where he passed his life. The mother, also born in North Carolina, died in 1878 at an early age. They were the parents of five children, Frank Lambert being the first born of that number.
The country schools of Jefferson, North Carolina, gave to Mr. Lambert such education as he started life with, and when he was eighteen years old he came to Montana and settled in Billings, becoming interested in the cattle business there, in which he continued until
1902. In that year he came to the Flathead reservation and again became actively engaged in the cattle business, remaining for two years. In 1904 he withdrew from his ranching operations and established what is now the Lambert Mercantile Business in Polson. The population at that time was scattered, and at first the business was limited, but with the growth of the country and the gradual settlement of the district, business increased gradually, and he was warranted in making numerous extensions to handle the ever growing trade. Mr. Lambert has demonstrated his ability as a merchant and man of business, and it is not too much to predict that he will yet be identified with the big mercantile interests of the state.
In 1904 Mr. Lambert was united in marriage with Miss Ada Murray, of Missoula, Montana. No children have been born to them.
Mr. Lambert is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and in his political affiliations is a progressive Republican. He is a good citizen, always bearing his full share of the civic burdens, and has proved a valuable acquisition to the communal life of the city which has
represented his home since 1903. He has a large circle of stanch friends in the state, and is an enthusiastic promoter of the best interests of Montana.
[History of Montana, Volume 3, transcribed by C. Danielson]