LAPHAM, Burnett J. 1882-1901

LAPHAM

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 12/3/2011 at 19:21:29

Burnett J. Lapham

Burnett J. Lapham, eldest son of Prof. and Mrs. Jay A. Lapham, was born at New Hampton, Iowa, Sept. 19, 1882. When but four years old, he came with his parents to Osage, where he has resided ever since. He was scarcely eleven years of age when he entered the Seminary; he attended continously for six years and graduated with the class of 1899; one of the youngest who ever finished at this institution. He greatly enjoyed classic literature, both ancient and modern. While in the Seminary he excelled paricularly in Latin and Greek, and though out of school for more than two years, his taste for those continued and he retained his grasp of them to a remarkable degree. He cared nothing for light or trashy reading, instinctively choose a high type,characterized by strength and vigor. Though one of the youngest in his classes he was frequently called upon to take the place of the teacher in the latter's absence.

He possessed in a high degree some of those natural traits essential to the successful teacher.

He was a young man of high aims and noble purposes. Before he had completed his preparatory work he had been planning to pursue his studies in the great University of Chicago. It was largely a secret between his own soul and his Lord, but some of his intimate friends knew that, if it was God's will, he purposed one day to preach the gospel. For this high calling he justly felt that the best possible preparation was needed.

From youth he had been gentle, manly, courteous to strangers and particularly considerate of elderly people. He made friends easily and it is not surprising that at the various places where he had been in search of health, many were naturally drawn to take an interest in him.

On January 4, 1893, he was led by his father into the baptismal waters and baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist Church of Osage. Some time before the Lord's Spirit had evidently done His blessed work in the heart of His child.
When but eight years of age he began to read ten verses of the Gospel of John each day and to commit one of these verses for the morning family worship. Thus his mind became stored with the precious truths.

Who knows how far this habit molded his taste for good reading and prepared his heart for God's leading. He enjoyed the study of the Bible and but a few months ago when he went to Colorado in search of health, took with him his outlines for Bible study. He enjoyed the Psalms and committed not a few in the German language.

Almost to the very last he has enjoyed sharing in the family worship, giving from his bed one of the verses precious to his heart. Blessed that home where God and his Word are honored, where the little feet are early taught to walk the way of life.

For more than two years and a half he has been in
failing health, but had made a brave effort for life, saying at times that it was only God who could restore him.

He was active in his church, Sunday school and Young Peoples's Society and but recently sent this message to be read as his name was called.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth."

On Sunday, Nov. 24, he peacefully fell asleep.
God had called him to Himself.

Mitchell County Press
November 27, 1901