Person:Robert Lambert (9)

Online publication - Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2005. For details on the contents of the film numbers, visit the following NARA web page: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/publications/microfilm-catalogs/census/1920/part-07.html">NARA</a>. Note: Enumeration Districts 819-839 on roll 323 (Chicago City.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1920.T625, 2,076 rolls. Dry Fork, Randolph, West Virginia, ED , roll , page , image 683.

Online publication - Ancestry.com. Social Security Death Index [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2007.Original data - Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Social Security Administration.

Address 1: 12 Euclid Ave
City: Thomas
State: WV
Postal code: 26292
Country: USA

Hair - Light Brown

Named after the Doctor who delivered him -- Dr. George W. Wyatt

Moved to Euclid Ave. Thomas WV on Oct 18 1941

THE PARSONS ADVOCATE - Wednesday, October 23 1996

Robert Wyatt Lambert - A proud father
By Cleta Long

Robert W. Lambert could be proud of many things, his work as a valued employee in the city Thomas, his musical ability, numerous church/community involvements, and material worth, but Mr. Lambert considers his greatest accomplishment to have been that of raising a fine family. And the pride he rightfully feels is mutual considering the family caring and closeness.
Born in Riverton on Sept. 23, 1906, a son of Isam Harper and Mary Alice Painter Lambert, Robert's family moved to Harman while he was still an infant. One of ten children, Robert had four brothers and five sisters, five of whom are still living. They are, Mrs. Wade (Madge) McDonald of Elkins, Walter Donald Lambert of Denver, CO, Jack Lambert of Springfield, OH, Mrs. Roy (Edith) Nelson of Palm Bay, FL, and Mrs. Joe (Eula) Calhoun of Baltimore. Those deceased are Glenn and Ford Lambert, Mrs. Hobart (Gladys) Hedrick, and Mable Lambert. Five half-brothers and sisters, Mrs. Osee (Elizabeth) Bible, Mark Lambert, Mrs. Jim (May) Day, Marvin Painter and Nora Painter made up the Lambert family.
The large farm in Harman provided for the family and while it entailed a lot of hard work before and after school hours, Bob was able to attend Randolph County schools for 11 years, completing his senior year in Parsons and earning his high school diploma. Following graduation, he took the Normal Test to become a teacher, but chose a job at the Davis Coal and Coke shops nearer home in Thomas.
On Jan 3, 1930, he was united in marriage to Floda Agnes Hedrick, a union performed by the Rev. A. Brooke Withers that Mr. Lambert jokingly insisted was "married for life" and indeed they were until his beloved wife's death on May 7, 1991. The marriage of the couple contained a strange twist of fate. Both their births were attended by a Dr. G.W. Wyatt. The doctor's surname, Wyatt became Robert's middle name and Floda Agnes Hedrick, was named for Dr. Wyatt's wife!
Robert and Floda Lambert began their married life on the farm in Harman and moved to Thomas in 1941. They were the parents of four children, Hilda Lambert, with whom Robert resides in Thomas, Dr. Robert (Dr. Mary Alice) Klein of Parson, Robert D. (and Jeanette Scott) Lambert of Thomas, and Mrs. Joe (Shirley) Perozziello of Randallstown, MD. Twelve grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren now complete Robert's pride.
Robert Lambert is a self-taught musician, using correspondence courses to learn guitar, fiddle and banjo. During the "heyday" of Harman and Thomas, he was in demand to play for the annual Fourth of July celebration, square dances, and other social functions. At the movie theater, Robert played during intermission to keep the audience entertained while the reels of film were being changed. Robert was always willing to share his talents, teaching others to play. His most famous student was Dale "Stony" Cooper. Both Stony and his brother, Dean, were among the group of young musicians who played at local dances and gatherings, but Stony, and his wife Wilma, went on to make radio and recording fame at the Wheeling Jamboree and in Nashville, TN.
Following the closing of the mines and shops in the Thomas area, Bob Lambert became an employee of the city operating the local water plant. He learned how to repair both water and parking meters saving the city hundreds of dollars in repair bills. For more than 25 years, Lambert was "on call" doing nearly every job from plowing snow to taking care of frozen water lines for the City of Thomas. (His daughter Hilda laughed, when he tole me that he had retired in 1980.)
Mr. Lambert is an active member of the Thomas United Methodist Church and has always enjoyed singing with the choir. He surrounds himself with music, art, poetry, and loves to read. In addition to his cultural activities, Robert is an avid hunter and still enjoys squirrel hunting. He proudly displays a certificate from the National Rifle Association naming him to their Honor Roll.
When asked about the changes that have taken place in the community, Bob says the biggest change to affect the area was the loss of the railroad in 1984. However, the change to tourism rather than industrial economy has not been adverse to Robert. He enjoys both the closeness of the community and the contact with people from other areas. He keeps up on world news and is eagerly waiting to vote, a privilege he has always exercised since he became of age.

A Salute to Robert
A man is judged by the deeds he does,
His friends, his station in life.
But the worth of a man can only be judged
By the love of his children and wife.

Involved with church and community,
Always willing to lend a helping hand,
Didn't bring Robert a great deal of fortune,
But earned him respect from his fellowman.

Sharing his many talents
Has endeared him along the way,
But it hasn't earned Robert a great deal of fame,
Just friendships that remain to this day.

Yet if you could measure the pride in his face
When he speaks of his family and wife,
You'd understand why this gentle man
Considers them,
"his greatest accomplishment in life."
--Cleta Long
Tucker County Poet Laureate