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Kinyon Digital Library

History of Adair
County, Iowa, 1915.

Biographical.  Volume 2.

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Charles D. Knapp, M. D.

Dr. Charles D. Knapp, who is now living retired in Greenfield, for a number of years actively engaged in the practice of medicine but during the later years of his active life conducted a drug store in this city.  He was born in Connecticut, December 26, 1832, a son of Salmon and Anna (Platt) Knapp, both natives of Danbury.  On removing westward they located in Michigan, where they resided for a short time, after which they settled in western New York, and in 1842 they became residents of Henry county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farming.  Both died in that state.  They were the parents of four children:  Sarah P., who is now living in Chicago, Illinois;  Charles D.;  Thomas, deceased;  and one who died in infancy.

Charles D. Knapp remained at home until he was of age and then began farming on his own account, so continuing until he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war, remaining at the front for three years.  He was shot through the left hip and thigh at the battle of Kelly's Ford, Tennessee, and was left in the enemy's territory.  He remained with a family within the rebel lines for four months but as soon as he was well enough he made his escape by way of the French Broad river in a canoe, passing through the rebel lines successfully.  After rejoining the Union forces he was on duty in a hospital until he was discharged at Quincy, Illinois.  He then returned home and took up the study of medicine.  He became a student at Rush Medical College of Chicago, and following his graduation from that institution located in Mason county, Illinois, where he engage in the practice of his profession for about eight years.  At the end of that period he went to Colorado, but remained there for only a short time.  He next located in western Kansas but after living there for two years removed to Chicago, where he practiced for a similar period of time.  In 1880 he came to Adair county, Iowa, and has since resided here.  He turned his attention to the drug business and for ten years conducted a drug store in Greenfield but since 1890 has lived retired.  He has excellent business judgment and has made profitable investments.  He owns the homestead of several hundred acres in Henry county, Illinois, and also holds title to seven hundred and sixty-eight acres of land in this county.

Dr. Knapp was married in 1877 to Miss Ella C. McKelvey and they had had two children:  Myrtle, who is now the wife of S. W. Neal; and one who is deceased.  Dr. Knapp has supported the republican party since its organization and has served on the city council of Greenfield.  Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in the subordinate lodge.  He is a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic and values highly the opportunity of associating with his old comrades in arms.  Although he has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years he still manages his business affairs and takes the keenest interest in the events of the day.  He is well known throughout the county and is held in high esteem.

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