Lyman Enos Knapp facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lyman Enos Knapp
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 3rd Governor of District of Alaska | |
| In office April 20, 1889 – August 29, 1893 |
|
| Nominated by | Benjamin Harrison |
| Preceded by | Alfred P. Swineford |
| Succeeded by | James Sheakley |
| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives |
|
| In office 1884–1885 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 5, 1837 Somerset, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | October 9, 1904 (aged 66) Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Martha A. Severance |
| Education | Middlebury College (BA) |
| Profession | Journalist, Lawyer |
Lyman Enos Knapp (born November 5, 1837 – died October 9, 1904) was an American lawyer, writer, and politician. He is best known for being the Governor of the District of Alaska from 1889 to 1893. He also served in the Vermont House of Representatives.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lyman Enos Knapp was born on November 5, 1837, in Somerset, Vermont. His parents were Hiram and Elvira Knapp. He went to school in Manchester, Vermont. Later, he graduated from Middlebury College in 1862 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Knapp's Career Journey
Military Service in the Civil War
After college, Knapp joined the army as a private. He was part of the 16th Vermont Infantry. Soon, he was promoted to captain in the 17th Vermont Infantry. He fought in important battles like Gettysburg and Petersburg. Knapp was wounded in these battles. He became a lieutenant colonel. He was even given the honorary rank of colonel for his bravery during the Siege of Petersburg.
Working in Vermont
After the war, Knapp returned to Vermont. He published a newspaper called the Middlebury Register from 1865 to 1878. He also wrote articles for other newspapers. Knapp worked as a clerk for the Vermont Legislature in 1872-1873. He became a lawyer in 1876. From 1879 to 1889, he was a probate judge. This meant he handled legal matters about people's wills and estates. He was also elected to the Vermont House of Representatives from 1884 to 1885.
Serving as Governor of Alaska
President Benjamin Harrison chose Knapp to be the Governor of the District of Alaska. His term started on April 20, 1889. Many people in Alaska wanted a governor who already lived there. But Knapp's time as governor brought many good changes.
He helped to expand postal service. Over 1,600 miles (2,575 km) of new mail routes were created. Knapp also helped to start a historical society and a library in Alaska.
Knapp worked to improve laws in Alaska. He asked for Alaska to have a Delegate in the U.S. Congress. This person would speak for Alaska's needs. He also wanted to update Alaska's laws and land ownership rules. To keep order, Knapp helped create a local militia and Indian police.
During his term, there was a big argument about seal hunting. The United States said that Canadian ships were killing seals from Alaska in the open ocean. Several ships were seized. In 1891, the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom agreed to discuss the issue. They set rules for seal hunting near Alaska. Knapp's term ended on August 29, 1893. James Sheakley became the new governor.
Later Life and Work
After being governor, Knapp moved to Seattle. He opened his own law practice there. He was active in groups like the National Geographic Society. He received an honorary LL.D. degree from Whitman College in 1893. Knapp also founded and led the Anti-Saloon League of Washington. He continued to practice law until he passed away on October 9, 1904.
Personal Life
On January 23, 1865, Lyman Knapp married Martha A. Severance. She was from Middlebury, Vermont. They had four children together.
