Oscar Lapham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oscar Lapham
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's 1st district |
|
| In office March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1895 |
|
| Preceded by | Henry J. Spooner |
| Succeeded by | Melville Bull |
| Member of the Rhode Island Senate | |
| In office 1887–1889 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 29, 1837 Burrillville, Rhode Island |
| Died | March 29, 1926 (aged 88) Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Resting place | Swan Point Cemetery Providence, Rhode Island |
| Citizenship | US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Claira L. Lapham |
| Children | Annie Lapham |
| Parents | Duty Lapham Lucinda (Wheelock) Lapham |
| Alma mater | Smithville Seminary Pembroke Academy Brown University |
| Profession | Lawyer Politician |
Oscar Lapham (born June 29, 1837 – died March 29, 1926) was an American lawyer and politician from Rhode Island. He worked as a lawyer and served in important government roles. He was a member of the Rhode Island Senate and later represented Rhode Island in the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.
Contents
Oscar's Early Life and Education
Oscar Lapham was born in Burrillville, Rhode Island. He went to several schools, including Smithville Seminary and Pembroke Academy. He then studied at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, graduating in 1864. While at Brown, he was part of two special groups: Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Kappa Epsilon. After college, he studied law and became a lawyer in 1867. He started his law practice in Providence.
Military Service and Political Career
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Oscar Lapham joined the army. He served as a first lieutenant, adjutant, and captain in the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers. This means he held different leadership roles in his army unit. After the war, he became a companion of the Massachusetts Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. This was a group for officers who had served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Becoming a State Senator
Oscar Lapham became involved in politics in Rhode Island. He was elected as a member of the Rhode Island Senate in 1887 and 1888. In the Senate, he led an important group called the Judiciary Committee. This committee helps make and review laws. He also worked as the treasurer for the Rhode Island Democratic Committee from 1887 to 1891.
Serving in Congress
Lapham tried to get elected to the United States Congress a few times before he won. He was finally elected as a Democratic representative to the Fifty-second and Fifty-third Congresses. He served in Washington, D.C., from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1895. After his time in Congress, he tried to get reelected in 1894 but was not successful.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving Congress, Oscar Lapham went back to being a lawyer in Providence. He also stayed involved with Brown University, his old college. He was on their board of trustees and executive committee, helping to guide the university. He was also a member of the Providence Board of Trade, which worked to help businesses in the city.
Oscar Lapham passed away on March 29, 1926, in Providence. He is buried in the Swan Point Cemetery in Providence.
Family Life
Oscar Lapham's parents were Duty Lapham and Lucinda (Wheelock) Lapham. He married Claira L. Paine on June 20, 1876. They had one child, a daughter named Annie, who sadly died when she was very young.
