Kit Carson County, Colorado
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Kit Carson County Pioneers:

James H. Knapp, 6 South 43 West




John H. Knapp passed away at six o'clock Monday evening at his home November 1929 six miles northwest of McDonald. He had been in failing health for about six months but was around as usual until about four weeks ago when he became confined to his home with dropsey and heart trouble and other complications, growing gradually weaker until the end.
John H. Knapp, son of James and Elizabeth Knapp, was born at Montezuma, Pike County, Illinois on March 15th, 1846, and passed away at his home near McDonald, Kansas, November 18, 1929, aged 83 years, 8 months, and 3 days.
On May 7th he enlisted in the Union army at Winchester, Ill., and was mustered into service in Company E, 137th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Camp Wood, Quincy, Ill., on June 5, 1864. On August 25th of that same year he was taken by the enemy as a prisoner, near Memphis, Tenn. He was mustered out of service as a private and paroled prisoner of war detachment muster out roll February 3rd, 1865, at Springfield, Ill., being at that time only 19 years of age.
On November 16, 1865 he was united in marriage to Lucy E. Tolen. In 1870 they moved to Richardson County, Nebraska where they lived for fifteen years. In the spring of 1884 they came to Rawlins County where he resided until his death. Mrs. Knapp passed away February 19, 1926. They were the parents of twelve children, three of whom preceded them in death: Willie, who died in infancy, Florence Vanpatton and Laurabelle. Those who are living are, James H. and Thomas C. of Burlington, Colo., George W. and Levi A. of Rangely, Colorado, Mrs. Lulu Lee of Gallatton, Mo., John O., Charles E. and Fay M. Knapp, and Mrs. Daisy Hubbard of McDonald. These with fourty-one grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren remain to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father and grandfather.
Thus, briefly we speak of the life of John H. Knapp--yet it was by such sturdy characters as he that the frontier was builded. Living in Illinois in his boyhood during the days preceeding the Civil War, when human slavery was the paramount question of the times, he must have been inspired by the eloquence of Douglas, the logic of Lincoln. When but a boy he answered the call to the colors and offered his life upon the altar of this country that the states might "remain one nation, indisoluble." A frontiersman, he was a quiet, reserved nature which so often marked the pioneer, yet friendly in the way that meant real friendliness in time of need and distress. All the experience and hardships of pioneer life were his. He came to Nebraska when that country was on the rim of civilization, moving to Kansas before the railroad was built, when this was an unbroken expanse of prairie, the soil unsubdued. Coming here in the fall of 1884 he staked his claim, built a sod house and put up feed for his return in the spring, then going back after his family in Nebraska. When they returned they found other settlers had used the house for a barn and fed the feed. When his horses died he, with undaunted courage, broke the prairie with a horse and ox. When crops failed year after year he turned to stock raising, building up his herds through the years until his stock and land holdings made for him a competency in his old age. Later generation owe much to men like John H. Knapp. He filled every relation of life, soldier, husband, father, neighbor and friend, and filled them well, he was a real man.
Funeral service was held at the Federated church Wednesday at 3:00 o'clock, in charge of Rev. J. S. Coppoc, former pastor of the church who came from Larned to conduct the service. Interment was in Grace Cemetery. # 77481784.

In 1880 Richardson County, Nebraska, John Knapp is 32, Lucy 30, Belle 13 James 11 - these four born in Illinois, Levi 8, George 6, John 3, and Lucy nine months were born in Nebraska.
In 1880 Jackson County, Iowa, James Barkley is 43, born in Indiana, Adelia 43 Pennsylvania, with Brinetta 17, Celia 13, may 10, and Ella 7.
James H. Knapp was appointed postmaster of the Goff post office in Kit Carson County January 1895, succeeded by James Jones in 1898.
In 1900 Beaver Valley, Kit Carson County, James born Feb 1869 has been married ten years to Celia April 1867 Iowa, with Lucy A. July 1890, Clyde Oct 1892 (daughter), Cora Feb 1894, Jacob Feb 1896, Zoella Jan 1898, and John Sept 1899, all kids born in Colorado.
James H. Knapp, Mary A. M. Pierce, Lizzie H. Morrow, Frances Laron Tyler, and Alexander Morrow, script-claimed a quarter in 7S 43W in 1891.
Lizzie, Mary and Frances were sisters of Alexander Morrow, 1st lieutenant and Captain 9th Regiment U.S. Infantry Mexican War.
James timber-claimed a quarter in 20, 6 South, 43W in 1903.

James H. Knapp proved up a quarter in 7S 43W in 1907.
1910 "Mr. and Mrs. James Knapp are the proud parents of a baby boy born Wednesday, March 23rd." (Donald)


In 1910 Kit Carson County, James H. Sr. is 41, Celia 42, Lucy 19, Clyde (son) 17, James Jr. 14, Zuella M. 12, John W. 10, Nettie 8, and a month-old son.
1911 Burlington "Zuella Knapp has discontinued school here and removed to her home in the counrty. Nettie Knapp has discontinued her school work here."
1912 Burlington - Lucy Knapp was the editor of the school column in the newspaper.


1912 Burlington, Johnny Knapp was a student in the Intermediate Room teacher "Miss Kane"

In 1920 Burlington, on Tenth Street, Celia and James, a well driller, have John 20 doing street work, Donald 10, and Elsie 5. Next household is James Jr. 24, also a well driller, married to Mergie, 21.
James H. Knapp married Della Chinn in Denver April 9, 1923. She was the sister of his first wife Celia, and she and mother Adelia Barkeley 83, are in Kit Carson County in 1920. Della is 47, born in Iowa, married but no spouse, son Frank 20 is a railway express clerk, and Grace 18 is a grocery saleswoman.
In 1900 Adelia was with J. Harrison Chinn, 33 and Dela 26, with Frank 1, in Rawlins County, Kansas.
Grace C. Davis, born May 25, 1901 in Kansas, died Dec 27, 1990 in Sonoma County, California, mother name Barkley, father Chinn.
Adelia Barkley 1828-1920 is buried in Beaver Valley Cemetery, # 56987701.

In 1930 Yuma County, James is a cattle rancher, 61, Della 58, Donald W. 20 a laborer on the cattle ranch., Elsie M. 16
James cash-claimed 40 acres in 5S 43W - Yuma County in 1930.
J. H. and Della are living alone in 1940 Kit Carson County.

James Harvey Knapp 1869-1952 "Husband of Celia Hester Barkley" is buried in Burlington # 16454515.
So is Celia 1867-1920 # 1645541. Della M. Knapp 1871-1947 is also in Burlington # 89578687.

JAMES

Mergie L. Williams married James H. Knapp November 20, 1918, recorded in Kit Carson County.

In 1920 Burlington James Knapp Jr. 24, a well driller like his next-door father, is married to Mergie, 21.
Mergie L. Knapp 1898-1986 is buried in Puyallup # 53431541, with James Harvey Knapp 1896-1955.

CLYDE
Clyde Arthur Knapp registered with a Burlington addrss, botn Oct 6, 1892 at Burlington.

Clyde A. Knapp, 1892-1918 "Co C, 137th Inf" is buried in Burlington # 16251974.


CORA
Cora Zella Knapp 1894-1907 is buried in Burlington # 16251990.

ZUELLA
Zuella Knapp, age 20, married John Homm, 23, in Wray on August 21, 1918.
In 1930 Kit Carson County, John 35 and Zuella M. 32 have Howard E. 9 and James H. 3.
They're in Yuma County in 1940, John 44, Zuella 42, Howard 19, and Jimmie 1q3.
Zuella 1898-1968 # 89562299 is buried in Burlington.

Howard Erwin Homm was born March 18,1921 to John and ZuElla Homm at their home on the river. At age 5 Howard started school at the North School in District 3. In 1929 Howard moved with his family down to Launchman Creek where he attended school 93J in Yuma County. The Happy Hallow School had a 4-H club where Howard showed a steer purchased from his Granddad Knapp. His love of cattle was born. In 1936 Howard entered the 1st National Western Catch it Calf Contest where he caught a Hereford steer, and then showed him at the 1937 Stock Show. Howard earned an award in 1941 as an outstanding 4_H Club member, and later founded the River 4-H Club. Howard frequently saw Burdine as she sat in the window of her family home while he passed by to gather water and a many winter day. He vowed someday to marry that girl, and on a cold snowy day in February of 1945 his dream came true and he married the love of his life Burdine A Richards. The two were blessed with four children, Larry, John, Dick and ZuAnn. Howard served the community where he grew upfor many years as a member of the Kit Carson County School Board and the Coop Board.He was also member of both KitCarson and Yuma County Cattlemans Associations. Howard was proud to receive the Bill Seward Award in Yuma County in 1993 for outstanding service, and homored again in 2005 by the Kit Carson County Cattlemen with Legendary Service Award. In 1982 Howard was honored to receive the Hereford Breeder of the year award from the Colorado Hereford Association. In 2006 Howard stood proudly among numerous breeders honored at the National Western Stock Show for showing carloads of bulls in the stockyards for over 40 years. Howard is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Burdine. Four children; Larry Homm and wife Dee of Burlington; John Homm of Morrill, Nebraska; Richard Homm of Burliington, Co. and ZuAnn Tuell and husband Ross of Wray, Coolrado. Ten grandchildren; Kristi Amold and husband Chuck, Cy Homm and wife Stephanie; Robert Homm and wife Debbie, Justin Homm and wife Shelby;LaDee Homm; Glen Hogan and wife Sonja; ZuElla Annen and husband Cody; Erin Johnson and husband Darrell; Jacie Homm; and Brett Homm, along with 13 great-grandchildren; Melissa, Lance,Kade, Cody, Tyrell, Zaiden, Lawton, Conner,Kade,Layton,Merisa, Caprise, and Maguire. Howard was preceded in death by his parents,John and Zuella Homm, brother Jim Homm and wife Lois. Memorials may be made in his name to the Immanuel Lutheran Church and may be left at the First National Bank in Kirk, Colorado. Funeral services for Mr. Homm were held on Tues.Dec. 23,2008 at 10AM att he Immanual Lutheran Church in Bethune with Pastor Roger Milheim officiating. Burial followed at the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington, Colorado. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service.


James Herman Homm -1926-1973 is buried in Burlington # 89562120, with Lois Pauline 1932-2001.

JOHN
John W. Knapp, 24, married Margie J. Weber, 21, in Burlington January 6, 1924.



JAMES JR.
James H. Knapp married Mergie L. Williams Nov 20, 1918 in Burlington.

Services for Donald Wilford Knapp, 75, were Wednesday Aug. 21, at Hendricks Chapel in Burlington, the Rev. Howard Hunt officating. Mr. Knapp, a lifelong resident of the Idalia and Burlington area, was born March 23, 1910 and died, following a long battle with cancer, Sunday, Aug. 18, 1985 at Hi-Plains Health center in Burlington. Married to Violet Leota Lundvall in Littleton Oct. 20, 1934 the couple celebrated 50 years of happiness last year. An area rancher who enjoyed working in the family garden, Don enjoyed acting as host with Violet as they entertained their many friends and family members. He was known for the melons he raised and gave to friends and acqaintances. Mr. Knapp was preceded in death by his parents, James Harvey and Celia Hester Barkley Knapp, brothers Clyde, Hans and Jake, and sisters Cora, Zuella and Elsie. He is survived by his wife, daughter Lola Elaine and her husband Roy Clark; sisters Lucy Russman of Burlington and Nettie Homm, denver; brothers and sisters-in-laws Virgil and Therese Lundvall and Harold and Lillian Ebeler, Burlington, John and Ethel Devlin of Dalhart, Tex., and Sherman and Thelma Williams of Pueblo; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. Soloist at the Aug. 21 service was Shelby Moore and selections included "Beyond the Sunset;, "No Tears in Heaven" and " One Day At a Time". Casket bearers were Jack Schutte, Larry Homm, John Homm, Bill Schutte, Dick Homm and Mark Lengel. Honorary casket bearers included George Yarnell, Galen Lengel, Bill Harris, Ralph Kleweno, Henery Hoskin, Dr. R. C. Beethe, Roy Harris and Richard Armknecht. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery in Burlington.
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Thomas Knapp
One tree said Sylvia Estella McDonald was born October 21, 1881 in Topeka, Kansas.
Her parents George R. McDonald 1859-1890 and Hannah Lucinda Harris 1864-1910.
April 20, 1879 Topeka "Marriage licerse issued to George R. McDonald and Lucinda Harris of Topeka. "
George and Hannah are in Osage County in 1880, with his stepfather Lewis Fitzlandorf 44 and Kathren 48 (so Kathren might be George's mother)
In 1885 Topeka, G.R. "McDonnell" is a stone mason, 26, H.L. 21, S.E. 3, H.T. 1, and W.B. 18.
In 1900 Thomas County, Kansas, Sylvia McDonald, born October 1881 in Kansas, is a servant for the Bundy household.
Also in 1900 Thomas County, Sylvia's brother Hesler T. McDonald is 16, with Hannah L. born January 1864, married eight years to Stephen Martin June 1853, Kansas. Their daughter Wherry I. Martin born June 1895 Kansas.
Hannah Lucinda (Harris) (McDonald) Martin 1864-1910 is buried in Colby, Kansas - Thomas County # 34005672, with Stephen Douglas Martin # 3405810.
"Stephen married in October of 1892 to Hannah Lucinda Harris McDonald a young widow with 2 children. Hannah was the daughter of Levi P and Sarah Catherine Evans Harris. They became the parents of Wherry Irene Martin born June 24, 1894 in LeCompton, Douglas County, Kansas. Stephen died at his daughter's home in Kansas City, Mo where he went to live after the death of Lucinda. "

In 1910 Kit Carson County, Thomas and Sylvia, both 28, are farming, with Martin 3 and Ray 1,.
Thomas Knapp proved up a quarter in 33, 10S 44W in 1912, and another in 1915.
Thomas Curey Knapp registered with a Burlington address, born June 17, 1881, wife Sylvia Estella Knapp.
In 1920, farming in Kit Carson County, Thomas and Sylvia have Martin 13, Ray 11, Esther 9, Howard 7, and Fern 1. Step-father Stephen Martin 57, born in Kansas, widowed, is with them.

1933
KNAPP - PETERS WEDDING submitted by Rosie Camp A wedding of considerable interest to a wide circle of friends was that of Miss Esther Knapp and Mr. Arnold Peters which occurred at Goodland, Wednesday, December 28th. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Knapp who reside southwest of town.
She is well and favorably known both in her home community and in Burlington where she graduated from high school. Since her graduation she has been a very successful teacher in the rural schools of the county. The groom came to Burlington two years ago from Nebraska and since that time has been engaged in farming, making his home with his brother, Roy Peters. After March first the newlyweds will be at home to their many friends on a farm southwest of town. These young people start upon life's journey together with the congratulations and best wishes of a host of friends. Thomas C. Knapp 1881-1962 is buried in Burlington # 16251920, with Sylvia E. 1881-1957 # 16251929.

Thomas C. Knapp, Jr. 1921-1994 is buried in Burlington # 16251937, with Mabel M. 1921-1964.

Ray E. Knapp married Linadell Whitemore January 20, 1934, recorded in Kit Carson County.
Ray E. 1908-1967 is buried in Burlington # 16251669, with Linadell 1911-1999.

Martin Knapp married Cora Ellen Conken October 2, 1926, recorded in Kit Carson County.
Martin S. Knapp 1906-1980 is buried in Burlington # 16251662.

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