He emigrated to the United States in 1849 and settled in Rochester, New York, where he worked as a cabinet-maker.

[2][3] When his friend, John Jacob Bausch, the owner of a retail optical shop in Rochester, needed additional capital in 1854, he loaned him $60 on Bausch's promise that, if the business ever grew to such an extent that he needed a partner, Lomb would be brought in.

[3] Lomb enlisted in the 13th New York Volunteer Infantry and fought in the American Civil War as sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

[4] In 1885, Lomb, along with Max Lowenthal, Ezra R. Andrews, Frank Ritter, William F. Peck and others, founded the Mechanics Institute (now Rochester Institute of Technology), whose mission was to offer "education for making a living."

Lomb served as chairman of the Institute Board until 1891, and continued to be a strong supporter of the school until his death.