Lapham was born in Burrillville, Rhode Island, and attended the Smithville Seminary in Scituate, Rhode Island, Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, New Hampshire and the University Grammar School in Providence, Rhode Island.
Lapham's early life took place in Burrillville, Rhode Island, where he pursued his education at institutions like the Smithville Seminary in Scituate, Rhode Island, Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, New Hampshire, and the University Grammar School in Providence, Rhode Island.