Editing Benjamin Tolman (section)

==Benjamin Tolman==

'''Benjamin Tolman''' (October 5, 1822 – November 3, 1906) was a distinguished printer, Mason, and long-time resident of Concord, Massachusetts. Known for his contributions to the local press and his involvement in civic and fraternal organizations, Tolman was the oldest native-born resident of Concord at the time of his passing and a respected member of the community.

===Early Life and Career===
Tolman was born on October 5, 1822, in Concord, Massachusetts, in the house on Lexington Road that he called home for his entire life. In 1836, he began his career as an apprentice at the *Concord Freeman*, a local newspaper. Over the years, he honed his craft, working for several Boston newspapers during a time of significant change in the printing industry. He recalled witnessing the arrival of the first Cunard steamer in Boston and the opening of the Fitchburg Railroad.

After his early experiences in Boston, Tolman returned to Concord, where he published the *Concord Freeman* for 15 years. In 1869, he resumed his career in Boston, becoming the senior partner of the Tolman & White Printing Company, a position he held until his retirement around 1892.
[[File:Benjamin Tolman ad.jpg|thumb|1862 ad in the "New England Farmer"]]

===Personal Life===
On December 20, 1847, Tolman married Ann J. Bigelow, with whom he shared a lifelong partnership. They were Concord’s oldest married couple at the time of his death. The couple had one child, Agnes, who married Nathan B. Smith on June 2, 1875. Agnes and her family later relocated to Ventura, California, in 1882.

===Masonic and Civic Involvement===
Tolman was made a Mason in 1856 and quickly became a prominent member of Corinthian Lodge. He served as Master of the Lodge in 1868 and 1869 and was later made an honorary member. He was also a charter member of Walden Royal Arch Chapter, instituted in 1872. His long-standing commitment to Freemasonry earned him recognition as the oldest Mason and Past Master of the Lodge.

Tolman was most likely involved in the underground railroad as his home has a well documented hiding place beside the main fireplace. As he was also the publisher of many abolitionist publications and close friends with leaders in the abolitionist movement, such as [[William Whiting]], this is highly probable. 

In addition to his Masonic contributions, Tolman was a member of the Concord Light Infantry, a historic military company rivaling the Concord Artillery. As a selectman for several years, he participated in the governance of Concord and played an active role in civic life.

===Later Years and Legacy===
<ref>The Boston Globe, October 6, 1902</ref>Tolman retired from active business around 1892 and remained a prominent figure in Concord. On the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1902, he was celebrated by family and friends at his Lexington Road home. His recollections of early New England printing and his experiences in Boston added to his reputation as a living link to the past.

Tolman passed away on November 3, 1906<ref>The Boston Transcript, November 5, 1906</ref>, at the age of 84. He was buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of civic engagement, Masonic service, and contributions to the printing industry.

[[Category:Past Masters|1868]]  
[[Category:Biographies|Tolman, Benjamin]]