28 The American Geologist. January, 1894 
The rest of the story of Lapham's life is quickly told. He 
must have received the injury that was done him as a mor- 
tal blow. It had fallen unexpectedly, sharply and heavily.. 
In the retirement of his family he may have revealed the 
poignancy of his wound, but he never publicly complained. 
His loyal, trusting heart, which had suspected no enemy, was 
broken by the ingratitude and injustice of- the State which 
he had served. He retired temporarily to his son's farm at 
Oconomowoc. The modesty and fortitude of the Quaker 
training to which he was born and in which he lived and 
died, did not forsake him. He busied himself for a few 
months with some of the problems that were connected with 
the lake near which his residence was situated. Another 
summer season rolled by. The autumn came. With declin- 
ing health he seeks recreation and at the same time informa- 
tion in the examination of the soundings, temperature and 
currents of the lake. His boat is his sole companion. The 
lake is calm and beautiful. A September cpiiet pervaded the 
hour. The fading hues of the surrounding foliage are a 
sweet reflection of his life's mellow autumn. The sun's last 
evening rays did not see him return. The shades of a beau- 
tiful life close about him, and he surrenders up in silence and 
alone, the gentle spirit which had become weary of the jostle 
and insincerity of man. 
■'>. Miscellaneous Papers. 
But we must return to a further consideration of some 
of Lapham's work. lie was man3 T -sided. To do him jus- 
tice requires at least a brief mention of other public 
contributions. He was active in the first movements 
which resulted in the establishment of several of the present 
institutions of the State, both educational and scientific. In- 
deed there was scarcely any important enterprise which 
affected the general weal of the community or the State, with 
which he was not connected. In 1846 he donated to the city 
of Milwaukee thirteen acres of land for the purposes of a 
High school, and when it was by neglect allowed to lapse for 
non-record of deed and non-payment of taxes, and was sold, 
he redeemed it and renewed the deed. He was one of the 
founders of the Milwaukee Female College, and served for 
