Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Knapp, Selah 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 3, 2007, 1:35 am

Author: Genealogical/Biographical Publishing Co

SELAH KNAPP, who is engaged in farming in Homer Township, was born in Albany, 
N. Y., in 1836, a son of Rev. Solomon and Maria (Lanfear) Knapp. His father, a 
native of New York, became a member of the Baptist Church in early life and 
afterward fitted himself for its ministry. He was ordained a preacher in the 
denomination and during the subsequent years of his life worked earnestly in 
his chosen field of labor. When he came west in 1840 he settled in Will County 
and purchased the land that forms our subject's present property. In addition 
to the superintendence of this farm, he gave considerable time to ministerial 
work and served as pastor of the Baptist Church of Hadley. His last days were 
passed in Joliet, where his death occurred in 1890, after a busy life that 
covered eighty-seven years. In his family were seven children, namely: 
Lanfear; Warren, who lives in Nebraska; Solomon; Selah; Lizzie, who married 
John Cameron and lives in Omaha, Neb.; Josie, deceased; and Florence, wife of 
H. T. Stevens.

When the family came to Illinois Mr. Knapp was less than three years of age; 
hence practically his entire life has been passed on the farm where he now 
lives. He was given such advantages as neighboring schools afforded, and to 
these he added by self-culture, thus acquiring a good practical education. He 
is the owner of the old homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he 
engages in the dairy and stock business and in the raising of cereals. The 
Republican party has received his active support ever since he attained his 
majority, and he is a firm believer in its principles. For thirteen years he 
held office as commissioner of highways, during which time he did much to 
promote the building and maintaining of good roads in his township. As a 
member of the county central committee of the Republican party and as a worker 
on its executive committee he has done much to advance the party's interests 
here. The cause of education has a firm friend in him. For twenty-one years he 
was a member of the school board, and during part of the time he served as 
president, also as secretary of the board.

The marriage of Mr. Knapp took place in 1860 and united him with Miss Emeline 
Frazier, daughter of William Frazier, and a native of Homer Township. They 
have an only daughter, Hattie F., who was educated in the Joliet high school 
and is now teaching in the Joliet schools. The family are connected with the 
Congregational Church and aid in its support.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present

Biographical Publishing Company; Chicago 1900

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