Lincoln. It is told of him, that having no dictionary in his father's
house, he undertook to be his own lexicographer in the task of preparing
one. He soon fitted himself as a school teacher and afterwards became a
land surveyor in New Bedford. As a man of ability and integrity, he at
once began to rise to positions of trust, and among the offices he held
were those of City Treasurer and Trustee of the Public Library. He was
interested in the whale fisheries, then the great enterprise of this
famous seaport, and was a successful business man.

In 1857, having made extensive timber purchases in Michigan, he removed
to that state, where he took an active part in political affairs. In
1865, he was elected Governor of that State and held the office for four
years. He was a lover of books all his life, and was the author of
articles on horticulture in which subject he was an enthusiastic
amateur.

William Wallace Crapo was born in Dartmouth, May 16, 1830, and was the
only son in a family of ten children. He inherited his father's passion
for learning and knowledge, and although his father's means were
limited, he was given all possible opportunity for study. He was first
in the New Bedford public schools, then at Phillips Academy in Andover,
where he prepared for college. He graduated at Yale--which has since
conferred upon him the Degree of Doctor of Laws,--in the class of 1852.
Deciding on the study of law, he attended the Dane law school at
Cambridge, and subsequently entered the office of Governor Clifford in
New Bedford. In February 1855, he was admitted to the Bristol bar, and
in the following April was elected City Solicitor, an office which he
continued to hold for twelve consecutive years.

Mr. Crapo's first active part in politics was about a year after his