History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century/4/Joseph C. Knapp
JOSEPH C. KNAPP was born at Berlin, Vermont, June 27, 1813. He received a liberal education, studied law and became a resident of Keosauqua, Iowa, in 1843. He became a member of the noted law firm of Wright, Knapp & Caldwell all of whom became eminent lawyers and distinguished judges. In 1850 Mr. Knapp was appointed judge of the Third District and in 1853 was appointed United States District Attorney for Iowa by President Pierce. He was reappointed by President Buchanan, serving eight years. Judge Knapp was a Democrat and one of the leaders of that party. Living in a Republican State, he has been a candidate for its highest offices, but could not overcome the great majorities of his political opponents. He was a Democratic candidate for Supreme Judge in 1869, for Governor in 1871 and for United States Senator in 1872.