Shepherd Knapp (1795-1875)

of Beekman St., New York City; Leather Dealer & President of the Mechanic's Bank

He was born at Cummington, Massachusetts, and at the suggestion of his cousin cam to New York at the age of fourteen. His cousin was future Mayor of New York City, Gideon Lee, then a leather dealer in the "Swamp" and Knapp worked under him until he became a partner in the business which enabled him to retire by the age of forty. He was then appointed President of the Mechanic's Bank (1838-73) and Chamberlain of the City of New York (1849-53). The famous painting (see images) of his children by Waldo & Jewett is on display at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Parents (2)

Jonathan Knapp

Farmer, of Cummington, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts

1752-1838

Persis (Melvin) Knapp

Mrs. Persis (Melvin) Knapp

1759-1835

Spouse (1)

Catherine (Kumbel) Knapp

Mrs. Catherine Louisa (Kumbel) Knapp

1793-1872

Children (5)

Gideon Lee Knapp

of 102 East 36th Street, N.Y.C., Owner of the Green Point Ferry, New York

1821-1875

Peter Kumbel Knapp

Oil Merchant, of Fort Washington, New York City

1825-1871

William Kumbel Knapp

Oil Merchant, of 16 Clinton Place, New York City

1827-1877

Shepherd Fordyce Knapp

of Audubon Park, Carmansville, N.Y., Street Commissioner of New York City

1832-1886

Addison Knapp

Leather Merchant, of Washington Heights, New York

c.1835-1874