William Lambertson was born in 1880 in Fairview, Kansas, and completed his education at Ottawa University and the University of Chicago Law School. He began his career in state politics, serving in the Kansas House of Representatives and the State Senate, and later chaired the Kansas State Efficiency and Economy Commission. Lambertson transitioned to national politics, being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for seven terms. After his congressional service, he returned to local governance, serving as mayor of Fairview and chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Brown County, Kansas.

William Lambertson's political career reveals a distinctive focus on local governance and efficiency, with surprising advocacy for agricultural interests. His roles in local state offices and as chairman of the Kansas State Efficiency and Economy Commission underscore a commitment to streamlining government operations. Lambertson's agricultural background adds an unexpected dimension to his policy stances, suggesting a nuanced approach to regional economic development. His repeated electoral setbacks, despite long-term service in the U.S. House of Representatives, hint at a politically calculated strategy that balances local interests with broader economic goals.