New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-21
DEATH OF JOSEPH r. KNAPP.
THE END CAME WHILE HE WAS AT SEA.
sURANCE COMPANY AND PROM
NENT IN RROOKLYN.

Joseph F. Knapp president OF the Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company at No. 80 Park Place, died on the
steamship La Champagne On Monday from heart fail
ure. lie was accompanied by his wife and daughter,
Mrs Edward G. Wallace, and the vessel itself little
vas known of his death, for both wife and daughter
kept to their suite OF staterooms. There was sad
scene on the pier Of the French Transatlantic Steam
ship Company when the vessel came in yesterday for
Mr.. Knapp's son Joseph had come down there with
his little child 10 welcome father and grandfather.
The that he dead came so Unexpectedly that
they could hardly believe It,
In May last in consequence Of illheslth, Mr.. Knapp
went abroad with his wife and daughter In July he
was attacked while In Paris with paralysis and heart
failure. Recovering somewhat, his friends thought he
was able TO make the return trip He was Ill when he
went aboard, however. That was saturday, Sep
TENDER 10.
Joseph F. Knapp q remarkable example Of
what persistent energy can accomplish for man
who began life poor boy and ended by becoming
more than millionaire lie was born July IT, 1882
in this city, his parents being poor. His father died
.rJ1eR Joseph was young, and his uncle sent
him 10 O private school at North Adams, Mass
which was kept by DR.. Lyman Thompson,
He left school at seventeen years of age and worked
for few months at North Adams, after which be re-
turned to this city and employed by the ntho-
graphing firm of sarony g. Major After number OF
years he was admitted junior member of the firm
which then became SarOny, Major Knapp. The
senior member retired and then the firms name was
changed to Major & Knapp. In 1870 Mr.. Major re-
tired and the firm became the Knapp Lithographing
Company In 1873 Mr.. Knapp retired and turned
over the business 10 his only son, Joseph P, who now
conducts the business.
At the time OF the formation Of the Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company Mr.. Knapp became connected
with 1t and in 1872 made president, which onice
he has held ever since. During his career he was
trustee OF the Long Island Trust Company, Nassau
Trust Company, Washington Trust Company, the Shoe
and Leather Bank the Liberty Fire Insurance company,
and was connected with other hducary organizations
He married Miss Phoebe Palmer, the daughter OF the
Rev. DR.. W. c. Palmer well known in the religious
world as a Methodist evangelist. Dir. Knapp was a
member Of the Brooklyn and Oxford clubs, and was an
ardent Republican.
At his homo in BedfOrd-ave., Brooklyn, he had one
of the most valuable libraries in the State, and the
mushroom, a present his wife years ago, is one
OF the most beautifully decorated In America
Mr.. Knapp has entertained many notable men Mt
this house, among whom were Presidents Grant Gar
field Arthur. Cleveland and Harrison, and Generals
sherman and Sheridan. His chief hobby was never know
publicly. II was TO learn of some poor bright young
man and educate him and start him IN business
Dozens Of successful business men owe their
start I'm life TO Joseph F. Knapp.
Late last night the body was taken from the steamer
to the bedford ave- house, but no arrangements have
yet been made for the funeral