Rev. George Lambertson, Hamilton Ohio : A Reminiscence of 1858

Hamilton Daily Democrat, Hamilton, Ohio
November 1, 1889, page 3

A Reminiscence of 1858.

During the years 1857 and 1858, a Methodist minister by the name of Rev. George P. Lambertson was located in this county, sometimes living at Port Union, sometimes at Springdale and occasionally in this city.  he was an eloquent lecturer and his favorite theme was "A Wheel within a Whell." [sic] In the latter part of the year 1858, Lambertson started for California with a panorama of the Bible, which he exhibited in connection with his lecture, en-route.  He was never heard from until a few days ago when the infirmary directors received notice that a woman living at Woods' station, was in destitute circumstance and needed assistance.

Investigation found her at the home of Joseph Simpson where she was suffering from paralysis of the lower limbs and unable to help herself.  This woman claimed to be the wife of the wandering preacher and lecturer.  She told a woeful tale of privation, long suffering and anguish.  She had been in the company of her husband many years in California and for some reason left him and came home to Ohio.  She now thinks that he is dead.  Many of our older citizens will recollect George Lambertson.

---

Located this article online through a newspaper archive and believe this is referring to the family of my maternal great-granduncle, George G. Lambertson, the son of John and Sarah (Willson) Lambertson.  Though the newspaper article refers to him as "George P.", I believe the other facts related make a case for this being my relative.

My "George G." Lambertson was born July 5, 1831 in Warren County, New Jersey.  As a young boy, he came with his parents to Ohio, due to the Panic of 1837, and settled in Butler County.  In the 1850 census, he is listed with his father, John, in Ross Township.  George married September 4, 1851 in Butler County, Ohio to Harriet Jones.  

By the 1860 census, George was listed in Maysville, Kentucky as a 28 year old Methodist minister with two children, Isolina and George. 

Where George was during the Civil War period never has been cleared up as it is believed that he may have served with a Michigan unit.  There was also a clairvoyant with the same name living in New York City who died in 1870 that at one time I believed might be the same person.

What intrigues me about this article is the fact that it references Rev. Lambertson, with the same name, and then the fact that the "Mrs. Lambertson" ended up at the home of Joseph Simpson.

My "George G." Lambertson's daughter, Isolina Lambertson was married to Edward Simpson on July 25, 1877 in Butler County, Ohio.  Did the newspaper simply get the first name wrong?  Or could it be a different person?  More to research.