INDEX A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Sesquicentennial celebration

History of Iowa State: People of Distinction

Sponsored by the University Archives, Iowa State University Library

Copyright 2006

 

 

Herman Knapp

Herman Knapp was born in Vermont on December 28, 1863 to Seaman A. and Maria Elizabeth Hotchkiss Knapp. In 1867 his family moved to Vinton, Iowa, where his father became Head of the Iowa College for the Blind. Seaman Knapp as appointed to head the agriculture program at Iowa State Agricultural College (Iowa State University ) in 1879, and later became the second President of the College (1883-1884).

In 1880, Herman Knapp entered Iowa State College as a freshman. He was appointed deputy treasurer of Iowa State College on September 23, 1883. In November of that same year he graduated with a bachelor's in scientific agriculture.

During 1884 Knapp became secretary to the president and agriculture assistant. He was appointed to assistant professor of agriculture in 1885. November 26, 1885 he married Mary Woodruff McDonald. During 1886 he was placed in charge of the department of agriculture. For the winter of 1890-91 he was in full charge of the college farm.

1887 was the year Herman Knapp was appointed as treasurer, registrar, and superintendent of the college bookstore, in addition to his duty as the director of agriculture. In 1903 he was appointed purchasing agent and business manager, dropping his duties as registrar.

During General James Rush Lincoln's absence in 1898 Herman Knapp was placed in command of the college cadet corps. He became a captain and a major in the Iowa National Guard.

From 1926-1927 he was acting president of Iowa State College until the appointment of President R. M. Hughes. The State University of Iowa awarded Herman Knapp a honorary doctor of laws degree.

July 1, 1933 he relinquished his duties as business manager. Iowa State College celebrated Herman Knapp Day on November 19, 1933 in honor of his 50 years of service to the College. At the age of 71 in 1935 Herman Knapp died from heart complications.

 

Resources available online

 

Herman Knapp

Ames Public Library