Category Archives: Knapp

James Knapp choose an unusual and infamous bride, Elizabeth Brau or Brandtt. Elizabeth not only came with a history of being the sole survivor of her family after an attack by Native American Indians, but the small child was allegedly rescued by the James Brothers, the famous Frank and Jesse James. Together, they had 7 children until James Knapp’s death, then she married again and had 6 more children until his death, then she married again, this time to Charles Knapp, her first husband’s brother. The descendants of the Knapp children began their colorful backwoods life in Wisconsin, then migrated to Oregon and Washington State where some married into the famous Chief Seattle (Sealth) family, which in our family tree is now known as the Elwell family.

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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Poem: Evenin’ by Robert Knapp

Poem: Evenin' by Robert Knapp

Night drops down with usual clam. The peaceful night birds cry. The whippoorwill reiterates song, Natures own sweet lullaby. An owl hoots, from his lofty perch, A hungry coyote whines, Nocturnal animals in search, Make chills go up one’s spine. … Continue reading


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Poem: The Little Kids (Robert and Wayne Knapp)

In our family’s history, few brothers were as close as Robert and Wayne Knapp. A year apart in age, and the youngest of the family for a long time, they were bound at the hip during the rough and tumble … Continue reading


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Knapp Family: Our Introduction to the West in 1930

Knapp Family: Our Introduction to the West in 1930

In this story by Robert Knapp, he tells of when the family arrived in 1930 in Oregon as part of their Depression Era move from Wisconsin looking for work. In nineteen thirty, my mother and four brothers came west from … Continue reading


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Tracing the Wisconsin & Northwestern Railroad History to Taylor Rapids

Tracing the Wisconsin & Northwestern Railroad History to Taylor Rapids

The Knapp Family of Taylor Rapids, Wisconsin, lived for a long time in a log cabin they’d built called Ruby Shack that sat along the rail line that stopped about a mile or two east in the former logging camps … Continue reading


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Poem: The Good and the Bad by Robert Knapp

Poem: The Good and the Bad by Robert Knapp

Written February 3, 1965, as part of the creative writing class taken by Robert Knapp in Lake Stevens/Everett area of Snohomish County, Washington. The Good and the Bad You have all had your portions of sorrow and pain, And have … Continue reading


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The 1967 Trip Back to Taylor Rapids, Wisconsin

The 1967 Trip Back to Taylor Rapids, Wisconsin

This is a paper describing the trip back to Taylor Rapids, Wisconsin, by Knapp brothers, Wayne and Robert. It’s a beautiful piece that describes the now lost-to-time logging community and the landmarks that shaped their lives growing up there. It’s … Continue reading


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Poem: My Mother by Robert Knapp (Emma Primley Knapp)

Poem: My Mother by Robert Knapp (Emma Primley Knapp)

Dated December 1, 1964, written for his mother, Emma Beatrice Primley Knapp, died 1960. My Mother She waited on me hand and foot. That’s as the saying goes. I know great care of me was took, And thanks so seldom … 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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Lunch On the River on Old Jim With Nonie and Wayne

Lunch On the River on Old Jim With Nonie and Wayne

I have spoken often of how much of my youthful happiness is owed to my wonderful departed sister, Nonie. She was one in a million. She a teacher, mother, and sister to us, especially to my younger brother, Wayne, and … Continue reading


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