Orange

McLAM, James R.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 266 
(portrait p 266)

James R. McLAM, of Topsham [Orange County, Vermont], was born 24 November 
1841 in Ryegate [Caledonia County, Vermont], son of James and Agnes (LEECH) 
McLAM. His parents came from Scotland to Caledonia County about 1830, and 
James received a good practical education in the schools of Ryegate, 
supplemented by a course of instruction at the Caledonia grammar school and 
at McIndoes Academy [Caledonia County]. He remained with his father upon the 
farm until he was twenty years of age, when he went to Boston [Suffolk 
County], Massachusetts, and engaged in the business of trucking [trading] for 
three years. After spending a year in Iowa, he returned to Ryegate, and 
finally moved to Topsham, where he engaged in general trade for four years, 
and then parted with his interest in the business to Mr. STEWART, who had 
been connected with him.

For several years Mr. McLAM gave his attention to insurance, pensions, and 
town affairs. He then went back to his old stand, and taking A. C. WORMWOOD, 
of Boston, as a partner, they successfully conducted the business until 1892, 
having a practical monopoly of trade in the village, when Mr. McLAM sold out 
to Mr. WORMWOOD. Though not a farmer, Mr. McLAM has given both and money to 
the establishment of a cooperative creamery in East Topsham, and is a 
director and secretary of the company. On 01 February 1871 he [James R. 
McLAM] married Susan J., daughter of Daniel and Jeanette (COCHRANE) WORMWOOD, 
and of this union were issue: Elmer D. (deceased), George L., Cora J., and 
Agnes M.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly