Author Archives: Wayne Knapp

Wayne Knapp

About Wayne Knapp

Wayne Knapp (1914-1999) was born in Wausaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Taylor Rapids, Wisconsin, one of the last logging towns in northern Wisconsin. Son of James Asa Knapp and Emma Beatrice Primley, he moved with his family after the death of the logging industry to Oregon for a few years and then north to the Seattle area of Washington State. He married Leatha "Myrtle" Odell in 1936 in Monroe, Washington, and worked for many years for Boeing Security in Seattle. He wrote two books on his childhood in Taylor Rapids, and many poems and short stories. We are honored by the permission of his daughter, Sharon Lee, to republish his work on our site. Copyright Sharon Lee.

Historical Data of the Knapp Family (as of 1984)

The following was written by Wayne P. Knapp for the Knapp family on the remembered historical data and stories around his immediate family. At the bottom of his notes are the facts that we’ve uncovered to substantiate his own family … Continue reading


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Early Memories of Taylor Rapids, Wisconsin

Early Memories of Taylor Rapids, Wisconsin

The following poem by Wayne Knapp speaks of his childhood home in Taylor Rapids, Wisconsin, a town lost to time and nature not far south of Goodman in the far northern wilderness of the state. Taylor Rapids was once home … Continue reading


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A Railroad Tragedy Poem – Melvin Knapp 1906-1943

The following is the poem and story of the death of Wayne’s brother, Melvin Edward Knapp, born July 28, 1906, Wausaukee, Wisconsin, and died of a train accident November 28, 1943. He was married to Helen Griffiths, July 28, 1906, … Continue reading


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