Lyman Enos Knapp

Lyman Enos Knapp (November 5, 1837 – October 9, 1904) was an American lawyer, journalist, and politician who served as the Governor of the District of Alaska from 1889 to 1893. He was also a member of the Vermont House of Representatives from 1884 to 1885.

Early life and education Knapp was born November 5, 1837, in Somerset, Vermont, to Hiram and Elvira (Stearns) Knapp. He was educated in Manchester, Vermont, first attending Burr and Burton Academy and then graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College in 1862.

Career

Military service After graduating from college, Knapp enlisted as a private in the Company I, 16th Vermont Infantry Regiment and was quickly promoted to captain of Company F, 17th Vermont Infantry Regiment. During his military service, he was wounded at Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, and Petersburg. Knapp rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and was brevetted a colonel for his gallantry during the siege of Petersburg.

Governor of Alaska Knapp was appointed Governor of the District of Alaska by President Benjamin Harrison, his term beginning on April 20, 1889. At the time of his appointment, many Alaskans desired a resident governor and were disappointed by receiving an "outsider". The district did, however, see a number of improvements during his administration. Postal service was extended with the creation of over of new mail routes. Knapp also helped establish a historical society and library.

On the legal front, Knapp asked for Alaska to be granted a delegate to the U.S. Congress. He also supported the creation of a commission to revise the district's legal code and, arguing that the lack of clear land possession discouraged improvements, lobbied for a revision of the land possession laws. To help maintain law and order, Knapp helped organize both a militia and Indian police. The former turned into a source of amusement for some area residents due to the governor's predilection for dressing in his military uniform and watching the militia parade before him.

During his term, an international dispute over seal fisheries reached a zenith. The United States, claiming that seals from Alaska were being killed by Canadian and other ships on the high seas, had seized several ships and brought them to Sitka. Arbitration to resolve the dispute was agreed to in 1891 between Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. As a result, a set of restrictions was imposed on seal hunting near Alaska. Knapp was replaced as governor on August 29, 1893, following the appointment of James Sheakley by President Grover Cleveland.

Later career Following his term as governor, Knapp moved to Seattle and established a law practice. He was active in civil organizations such as the Institute of Civics and National Geographic Society and received an honorary LL.D. from Whitman College in 1893. Knapp was also the founder and president of the Anti-Saloon League of Washington. He remained active in the practice of law until his death on October 9, 1904.

Personal life On January 23, 1865, Knapp married Martha A. Severance of Middlebury, Vermont. The couple had four children.