US Congressman. He started his career as a reporter in Montpelier, Vermont. In a few years, he became co-proprietor and editor of the State Journal, Vermont's anti-Masonic party. In 1843, he moved to Lowell at the invitation of John Greenleaf Whittier. He was appointed editor of the Middlesex Standard [Liberty Party newspaper] and then the Lowell Citizen and News. Knapp became Clerk of the Massachusetts State Senate in 1851. In 1854, he ran as an anti-slavery Free Soiler. He was elected overwhelmingly to Congress as a member of the American Party (the only major party with an anti-slavery plank) to the Thirty-fourth Congress. Knapp left the American Party, joined the Republican Party, and was again overwhelmingly elected to the Thirty-fifth Congress 1855 to 1859. During the heated slavery debates in Congress, Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts was severely beaten by Congressmen Prescott Brooks of South Carolina on May 22, 1856. In response, Congressmen Knapp delivered a speech on the floor of the House that was absolutely stunning. In 1859, Knapp left Congress and became the Lowell Daily Citizen editor from 1859 to 1882. Knapp Avenue leading from Rogers Street into the Lowell Cemetery is named for Congressman Knapp.
US Congressman. He started his career as a reporter in Montpelier, Vermont. In a few years, he became co-proprietor and editor of the State Journal, Vermont's anti-Masonic party. In 1843, he moved to Lowell at the invitation of John Greenleaf Whittier. He was appointed editor of the Middlesex Standard [Liberty Party newspaper] and then the Lowell Citizen and News. Knapp became Clerk of the Massachusetts State Senate in 1851. In 1854, he ran as an anti-slavery Free Soiler. He was elected overwhelmingly to Congress as a member of the American Party (the only major party with an anti-slavery plank) to the Thirty-fourth Congress. Knapp left the American Party, joined the Republican Party, and was again overwhelmingly elected to the Thirty-fifth Congress 1855 to 1859. During the heated slavery debates in Congress, Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts was severely beaten by Congressmen Prescott Brooks of South Carolina on May 22, 1856. In response, Congressmen Knapp delivered a speech on the floor of the House that was absolutely stunning. In 1859, Knapp left Congress and became the Lowell Daily Citizen editor from 1859 to 1882. Knapp Avenue leading from Rogers Street into the Lowell Cemetery is named for Congressman Knapp.
Bio by: Denise
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