Joseph Hamilton Lambert

Joseph Hamilton Lambert (December 1, 1825 – November 12, 1909), was an American pioneer of Oregon and an orchardist who developed the Lambert cherry. A native of Indiana, he also served as a county commissioner in Multnomah and Clackamas counties in Oregon.

Early life Lambert was born on December 1, 1825, in Vigo County, Indiana, a few miles northeast of Terre Haute. The crown of the tree died in 1880 and a new tree grew from its roots that was not a May Duke, nor was it identical to the original seedling. The resulting cherry was large, richly colored, flavorful, and had a small pit, and it immediately became popular. In 1916, it was called the "finest cherry grown in America".

Death and legacy Joseph and Clementine Lambert had ten children, eight of whom survived into adulthood. Lambert's name is in the House chamber. His former employer Seth Lewelling (formerly Luelling), developer of the Bing cherry, is so honored on the Senate side.