Robert H. Lamb, member of the firm of Lamb Brothers, merchants of Hinckley, New York, was born in Prospect, New York, on October 9, 1866, the eldest of three sons and two daughters born to Henry and Margaret (Thomas) Lamb. Henry Lamb was a native of Prospect, where his father, Joseph Lamb, settled early in 1800, having come from Westfield, Massachusetts, originally Cape Ann, in covered wagon with ox team. The grandfather died in 1868. Margaret (Thomas) Lamb, mother of Robert H. Lamb, was born in Carnarvonshire, Wales, and came to the United States with her family when eight years of age, and settled in this section. She died in 1917. Henry Lamb was a soldier in the Civil war, serving in Company F, One Hundred Seventeenth New York Volunteers, from 1861 to 1864. He afterward engaged in farming and quarrying until his death in 1916.
Robert H. Lamb was educated in the public school of Prospect, New York, then started selling merchandise to farmers throughout the country and villages. He later entered the employ of Hodge & Walter and others, serving as clerk for several years, after which he became associated with Mr. C. B. Hodge. In 1894 Mr. Lamb came to Hinckley, New York, as clerk for the Trenton Falls Lumber Company and remained until 1896, then started a general store in partnership as Smith & Lamb. In 1898 he bought out his partner's interest and conducted the business alone until 1921, when he admitted his brother, the firm now being Lamb Brothers.
On August 31, 1892, Mr. Lamb was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Cady, daughter of Darius and Elizabeth (Poppel) Cady. Mrs. Lamb is a member of the Rebekahs, the Eastern Star and the White Shrine. Mr. Lamb is a director of the Citizens National Bank of Poland, New York, and was postmaster of Hinckley from 1898 to 1915. During the World war he was chairman of the first, second and third Liberty Loan drives and vice-chairman for the remaining drives. He is a member of the Trenton Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Rebekahs and the Foresters of Hinckley. He is also a Mason and member of Remson Lodge No. 677; Sprig Chapter, R. A. M., of Newport; Mohawk Valley Consistory and Ziyara Temple, both of Utica; and of Mappa Chapter of the Eastern Star. His religious associations are with the Episcopal church, and in politics he is an active republican, and is chairman of the Oneida County Republican Committee. For diversion Mr. Lamb enjoys fishing. Mr. Lamb has ever discharged his duties with marked ability and fairness and is also actively interested in all civic improvements for the betterment of the village wherein he resides.