Charles A. Lambert

CHARLES A. LAMBERT, the popular and expert tailor at Parsons, Kansas, where he has one of the largest and best stocked tailor shops in the city, was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in April, 1869. He is a son of S. J. and Kate (Hartzell) Lambert. His parents and one sister reside in Parsons, where his father is a wholesale flour and feed dealer, on Central avenue. One sister is married and resides in Kansas City, and a brother lives in California.

In 1878, the Lambert family, including, Charles A., moved west to Parsons, Kansas, where the subject hereof obtained his primary education. He attended school three months in the old frame building on South Twenty-first street, and afterwards pursued his studies in the East building. He was subsequently sent to Girard, Ohio, where he also attended school, making his home during that time with a sister.

When fifteen years old he returned to Parsons, and attended private school, taking a complete course in mathematics and bookkeeping. Mr. Lambert began his active career when sixteen years old, working at first as clerk in a grocery store, and driving the delivery wagon. He has made his own way ever since, without any financial aid whatever. In October, 1890, he became apprenticed to learn the tailor trade, working two years at "Anthony's," in Cleveland, Ohio, where he completely mastered the cutter's trade, and became quite an expert in that line. Accepting a position at Youngstown, Ohio, he served as cutter for ten months. He followed the same line of work at various places afterward. Among these was Chicago, Illinois, where he was cutter for "Reynolds;" Wichita, Kansas, whither he went in 1893; and St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. Lambert then became a traveling salesman, and for several months sold woolens and fine cloths to different tailoring establishments throughout Texas. Since then he traveled in that capacity a great deal, but was finally taken sick with typhoid fever, and returned home. After recuperating, he entered into partnership with J. M. Haller, and conducted a tailor shop in Parsons, until May, 1896. He then sold his interest and immediately engaged as cutter in the establishment of Mr. Johnson, where he remained several months.

In August, 1896, Mr. Lambert embarked in business for himself at his present location, 210 South Central avenue, where he now has a tailoring establishment second to none in the city. His building is 60 by 22 feet, in dimensions, and contains an exceptionally large and fine stock, which he also retails as occasion demands. He employs seven workmen but takes pride in doing all his own cutting, and turns out a large number of first class, up to date and stylish garments.

Mr. Lambert is unmarried. He is a valued member of the B. P. 0. E., A. F. & A. M., and K. of P. He entertains broad, liberal ideas on religious subjects, without allying himself with any church denomination. In his political action he votes a straight Democratic ticket, and exerts all his influence in behalf of his favorite party. He does not, however, allow politics to interfere with business, and it is his constant aim to give his many patrons thorough satisfaction and good workmanship. He is indeed a hustler, and is rightly considered one of the most thrifty and progressive business men of Parsons.