admission to the bar. Fremont and Dayton were in 1856 nominated as the
Republican candidates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency. Mr. Crapo
was an earnest surporter of the candidates and made very effective
speeches in their behalf in his section of the state. In the same year
he was chosen to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and the
following year, when only twenty-seven years of age, was tendered a seat
in the Massachusetts Senate, but declined the honor. His father this
year removed to Michigan, and the son who remained became a worthy
successor to the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens. He was
actively interested in the establishment of the New Bedford Water-works,
and from 1865 to 1875 held the office of Chairman of the board of Water
Commissioners. As Bank President, as director in extensive manufacturing
corporations, and in other similar positions of trust and responsibility
he acquired the reputation of being a sound business man, and an able
financial manager. In all of these positions he has ever enjoyed the
complete confidence and respect of his associates.

Mr. Crapo has been a diligent student of the history of the Old Colony
and especially of the early settlement of Dartmouth, and he has rendered
valuable contributions to the historical literature of the State. The
address delivered by him at the Bi-Centennial Anniversary of the town of
Dartmouth in 1864 and his address at the Centennial Celebration in New
Bedford in 1876 exhibit his accurate research and his facility of clear
and forcible expression. The closing sentences of the latter address
were as follows:---

"We must preserve the results of the past. But this is not our whole
duty. The work of our fathers is not completed. Our honor and safety is
in still further achievements of public justice and orderly freedom, and
to the advancement of the common welfare. Our mission is a continuous