Otis Clapp

Otis Clapp (March 3, 1806 – September 18, 1886) was an American publisher, bookseller, homeopath, pharmacist, and politician who served as a collector of Internal Revenue; a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives; a member and president of the Boston Board of Aldermen; and a member of the Boston Common Council.

Clapp began his career working in publisher. A believer in the New Church (Swedenborgianism), Clapp ultimately turned his focus in this field to New Church-related works.

A promoter of homeopathy, Clapp operated a large homeopathic pharmacy. This namesake business (Otis Clapp & Son) continued as a business after his death. It was one of the oldest-operating pharmaceutical manufacturers in the United States by the time it was acquired by Medique in 2008. Products continue to be sold by Medique under the brand name "Otis Clapp".

Clapp was a founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Early life and family Clapp was born in Westhampton, Massachusetts on March 3, 1806. Clapp also became a bookseller and book publisher, co-founding the firm Stimpson & Clapp with Charles Stimpson. This firm published a series of volumes titled "The American Library of Useful Knowledge", as well as the annual "Boston Directory".

Career in homeopathic pharmaceutics

In 1840, Clapp opened a homeopathic pharmacy in the Back Bay of Boston. Clapp manufactured and marketed his own homeopathic medicines. The business continued to operate long after Clapp's own death. Products continue to be sold by Medique under "Otis Clapp" branding.

Political and government career

Clapp served in both chambers of the (then-bicameral) Boston City Council. He first served as a member of the Common Council from the city's sixth ward from 1845 through 1846. During his tenure, he served as the board's president. At times, he acted out the duties of mayor when the mayor left the city. He served on the board's Public Instruction, Public Library, Cemeteries, and Sewers committees. Clapp held a number of other positions in municipal government. He was also appointed by the Common Council in 1859 to serve as the city's assistant assessor for books and publishing.

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Clapp as the collector of Internal Revenue for the fourth district of Massachusetts. He served in that office until 1875.

Other civic involvement Clapp played a significant role in the founding of the Boston Female Medical College. He was also one of the founders of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Clapp was involved on the corporate boards of several railroads. He was also on the boards of several charitable organizations. He served as president of the Washingtonian Home,

Personal life and death On August 29, 1833, Clapp married Ann Willington Emery Porter, daughter of Boston's Sylvanus Porter. She died in 1843. On October 2, 1844, Clapp married Mary Hadley, daughter of Boston's Moses Hadley.. His second wife died in 1871.

Clapp died in Brookline, Massachusetts on September 18, 1886 (at the age of 80). He was buried at Walnut Hills Cemetery in Brookline.