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Below is a family biography included in History of Lee County, Iowa published by Western Historical Company in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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KNAPP, JONAS S., far., Sec. 28; P. O. Fort Madison; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1821; he was the son of Gen. John H. Knapp, the founder of the city of Fort Madison, the history of which will be found elsewhere. Jonas Knapp arrived with the family at the new settlement, previously selected by his father, Oct. 9, 1835, at which time Fort Madison contained but four families. After his father’s death, which occurred Jan. 4, 1837, the family moved on the claim now occupied by him, which had been located by his father. At the age of 23 years, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Col. William Stewart, then residing at West Point; they have five children — Harriet B., Stewart W., Fletcher J., Libbie E. and Carrie A. Mr. Knapp’s farm consists of 240 acres of highly-improved land, with good buildings, houses, barns and everything conveniently arranged; in short, it is a model homestead, with a place for everything, and everything in its place. The first plowing Mr. Knapp ever did was in the little cornfield made by his father, about where Morrison’s Plow Works are now situated in Fort Madison; this was in 1836.

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This family biography is one of 668 biographies included in The History of Lee County, Iowa published in 1879.  For the complete description, click here: Lee County, Iowa History and Genealogy

View additional Lee County, Iowa family biographies: Lee County, Iowa Biographies

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