The Name Knapp came from the word Knappe, a lad, boy, servant, workman or a squire. The family originated in the providence of Saxony, Germany. The English lineage traced to Roher Knapp of the County Sussex, England in 1540. ---------------------------------------------------------------- William Knapp as a carpenter.Immigrated on ship ,not named, in the Winthrop fleet with wife and children in 1630. Savage says that two were grandchildren. William Knapp was a proprietor in Watertown in 1637. A grantee of 7 lots and purcheser of one lot in 1644. His will,dated 1655, mentions no wife but in a settlement of his estate his widow,Priscilla received 1/3 plus a debt due her for a sum loaned to him before marriege. He probably died
after writing the will and after he married Priscilla Akers, widow of Thomas Akers, who died before 1651. She was listed as a widow of Watertown that year. Most of his estate passed from his heirs to Nathan Coolidge. Heirs were sons Wm.,John,James and daughters Mary Smith,Judith Cady ( Married to Nicholas Cady) and Anne Philbrick who was a widow living in England.Sources-Genealogies and History of Watertown,Ma.-Henry Bond. DESCANDANTS OF NICHOLAS CADY-ORIN PEER ALLEN. VIRUS COMPENDIUM VOL 1 AND 2.SAVAGE'S GENEOLOGICAL DICTIONARY.THE PLANTER AT THE COMMOINWEALTH-Charles Edward Banks The Winthrop Fleet-C.E.Banks.Settlers of Mass.-Pope First Book of the Town Records-Watertown,Mass.The wives are not in order on the screen 1 St Wife-Judith Tru,Second-Margaret Dean and third-Priscilla Akers.Information from F.H. Knapp says that he had resided at Wormingford and St. Mary's-Bures, Co. Suffolk,. England and Watertown, Mass. He was a carpenter and Sexton - his church was Puritan. He is buried at the corner of Arlington/Mt.Auburn Street Graveyard, Watertown, Mass. The following from the New England Historical and Genealogical Register Vol CXVII Oct 1993."He arrived in America in 1630 indentured to Sir Richard Saltonstall Along with his future son in law, Nicholas Cady. He was first mentioned in New England on 30 Nov 1630 when the Court of Assistants ordered that whomsoever employed William Knapp or his sonne in any work shall pay the one half of their wages to Sir. Richard Saltonstall and whoever buteth boards of them shall pay one half of the price to Sir Richard till the money he has disbursed for them be satisfied. The debt owed to Saltonstall stood at 19 Lbs plus. William was granted 7 parcels of land in Watertown including a 17 acre homestall, 30 acres in the Great Dividend and smalled parcels totaling 29 acres. As an old man he frequently received assistance from the town. Until May, 1652, he preformed work around the meeting house and was the poundkeeper for which he received a small wage. He was frequently referred to as old Knop or Father Knop in the records. He was a frequent violator of the law. On Nov 7 1634 he was bound in the sum of 10 lbs to appear at the next court for swearing. Of a more serious charge, he was directed by the court on June 6 1637 upon pain of a fine of 100 lbs and imprisonment to bring in sureties within eight days for his appearnce at the next Quarter Court for speaking against Governor Vance. The outcome in unknown. He was fines 5 Lbs for selling beer for 2 years without a license. On 13 Nov. 1644 the records of the court show that a fine of 5 lbs for some unknown offence had been reduced to 20s. On 7 Oct 1651 he was again presented for his scurulus and undecent words this time to the schoolmaster. For this he was sentenced to pay 13s 4d or to spend 2 hours in the stocks. In 1655 he sold most of his property to his son John and in 1656 he applied for assistance to the selectmen of Watertown who in turn suggested that he turn all of his property to his children for his support or turn management of the property to the town and they would pay for his support. His children apparently were reluctant . During his latter years the town leased out his land and reimbursed others for their assistance to him. He left a will but it was never filed and the estate was 130 lbs. The details of the will are listed in the paper from which this was copied. His property consisted of a house, barn, orchard and 18 acres of land in Watertown. I have a copy of the will in my files. _________________________________________________________ From MAYFLOWER ANCESTRY- by M.L. Call" William Knapp, Carpenter, Watertown Died 30 Aug 1659 at about the age of 80 years. Will mentions Wife Pricilla, widow of Thomas Akers. Children, William, John, James, Mary Smith, Judith Cady, Ann ( wife of Thomas Philbrick) and Elizabeth Buttery, widow, of Buers, St. Mary, Suffolk, England. The latter sent the power of attorney 27 Dec 1660 for collection of her dues. _________________________________________________________ _There were 10 ships in the Winthrop Fleet and the exact ship that the passengers were on is not known according to the book THE WINTHROP FLEET OF 1630 by Charles Edward Banks . We do have a passenger list which included Nicholas Knapp and his wife Elinor of Watertown, William Knapp and his wife of Watertown and the William Knapp children John,Anne, Judith, Mary, James, John and William Jr. There is no proof of relationship of the two families but the close association is unusual unless there was a relationship_____ _________________________________________________________ FROM INDEXED RECORDS OF THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY IN NEW ENGLAND.- NOV 30,1630- It is ordered that whosoevery imployeth William Knopp or his sonne in any worke shall pay the one halfe of their wages to Sr. Rich: Saltonstall and whoever buye boards of the shall pay one halfe of the price to Sr. Rich: Saltonstall till the money hee hath disbursed for them be satisfyed. March 1, 1631-It appears by Sr. Rich: Saltonstalls note of disbursment that William Knopp owes him the some of ? as was evidenced to the court by Richard Brown and Ephran Childe, being men indifferently choses betwixte them to judge thereof. AUGUST 7, 1632- The is ? of Knops fine of ? remitted. OCTOBER 6, 1664- William Knopp is bound in ? to appear att the nexte Court and to abide the sensure of Che court for swearing. APRIL 7, 1635-It is referd to John Haynes Esq. and Mr Robte Feakes to audit the accompts betwixte Edward Howe and William Knopp to swear witnwssws and examine them what the can say in the case and make returne fereof into the nexte Court. JUNE 6 1637- William Knop was enioyned upon paine of 100? and imprisonment to bring in sureties within 8 dayes for his appearance at the next quarter court to answear what shalbee objected about his speaches of M Vaine about the late Governor JUNE 1 1641- William Knop for selling bear 2 years unlicensed, was fined ?. SEPTEMBER 7, 1641- John Kilmaster, John Knop and John Knight for their distemper were admonished and dismissed.( Note- John was the son of William and a brother of Judith Cady. ______________________________________________________ _This paragraph belongs with Mayflower materials. From THE PLANTERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH 1620 - 1680 - by Charles Edward Banks. Half of the Mayflower passengers died the first winter. They arrived in the fall when everything was brpwn and no fresh fruits or vegitables were available. They had lived on salted meat and dried meat for months. It was after a year or two that they finially discovered that illness and scurvy was caused by lack of fresh foods. The Mayflower weighed 200 ton and Christopher Jones was the Master. It left Southampton august 5, 1620 and arrived in Cape Cod Dec 11, 1620 with 101 passengers..... It was detained at Dartmouth and Plymouth for at least two weeks because of the Speedwell. The Speedwell was to accompany the Mayflower on the trip but when out at sea it proved not to be seaworthy and the two returned. After some time, the Speedwell did not continue and the passengers were shuffled leaving some from the original passenger list of either ship. Included in the final passenger list was Richard Warren - of London- Merchant. His family did not accompany him. In 1623, the ANN - William Peirce,Master arrived in Plymouth 10 July, 1623 with 60 passengers Included in the passengers were Mrs Elizabeth Warren - wife of Richard Warren and their children Mary Warren, Elizabeth Warren, Anne Warren, Sarah Warren and Abigail Warren. ________________________________________________________ FROM THE PLANTERS OF THE COMMONWORTH- 1620-1640 by Charles Edward Banks.The Winthrop Fleet consisted of 11 ships and they carried 700 settlers. The individual passenger lists were lost but the total log was found. Among the passengers were, Nicholas Knapp- Probably of Bures St Mary Suffolk England settled at Watertown. Mrs Elenor Knapp wife of Nicholas Knapp, William Knapp, probably of Bures St May Suffolk England. Mrs ---- Knapp and their children John Knapp, Anne Knapp. Judith Knapp, Mary Knapp. John Knapp??? and William Knapp Jr. In 1629, the TALBOT of London, Thomas Beecher- Master. It carried 100 settlers and also servants of Saltenstall and Johnson. Started at Gravesend. The Knapps were to have come to America in 1630 in the Winthrop Fleet indentured to Saltenstall. Is it possible that they came in this ship. The water carried on the ships got very stale and rancid so beer was the main drink. As an example, the flagship of the Winthrop fleet, the ARBELLA, in1630 carried 42 ton of beer and 14 tons of water. --------------------------------------------------------------- From WATERTOWN RECORDS- town proceedings by historical Society. 1648- Ould Knop granted 4 sahillings for killing 4 Foxes. ( the town had a bounty of one shilling for each fox. 1648-Due to Ould Knop for mending the ftocks and the counstable ftaue, for bellroope and the mending of the meeting houfe dore and for a locke for the faied dore: and the board and nailes. 00-06 shilling-06 pence. 1650-The town gave Ould Knop for wages- 3 pounds 6 shillings o pence and another entry to Ould Knop- 3 pounds 15 shillings and 0 pence Janewary 12, 1651 Ordered that old father Knop fhall be payd out of this pfent rate whatfoever her can make appeere to be Due to him and to be difcharded of his fervice aboute the meeting house and keeping the pound when his yeare is expired which will be vpon the firft of May. ( it looks like the town fired him) ` On Jan. 19, 1651- Due to Old Knop 7 Pounds 15 shilling 0 pence. Novem 12, 1652 - paid to old Knop - 6 pounds 13 shillings 0 pence 9 th Dec. 1656- Ould Knop being in want and complayning to the select men they made this propofition, y fhall haue the fd eftate for the pformance therof when theire father & mother ceafe to be, but if the fd children refufe thus to doe, then the towne wull vndertake the fame, apon fuch tearmes as the children fhould and thus be fully concluded apon the next fecond day being the 15 th of Dec. 1656. January 29, 1657-By Left Beeres there is paid in the behalfe of the towne as lent to Willi Knop the Elder the fome of fower pounds eighteene fillings and eleauen pence. By Michaell Bearfto for Ould Knop 2 pounds 18 shilling and 9 pence. More by Mich Bearfto one pound 15 shilling and 9 pence. By Ephraim Child 19 shillings 10 pence and by Chares Chadwick one pound on shillings and one pence. 13 Aprill, 1658- The land of Ould Knop his meadow and corne land is lett to Robt Jenifon and Sargt Bloyfe for this yeare att the rate of five pounds and if in cafe y it continew in the hands of the felect men to lett it Y doe ingage y above named haue it all the time y it continew in the fame hands to lett ---------------------------------------------------------------- From WATERTOWN RECORDS by the Historical Society " William Knap aged abought 80 years, deceafed the 30 August" ----------------------------------------------------------------- From DIRECTORY OF THE ANCESTRIAL HEADS OF NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES1620-1700 William Knapp born in England in 1578 Came in 1630 to New England settled in Watertown, Mass. ----------------------------------------------------------------- From GENEALOGIES OF THE FAMILIES AND DESCENDANTS OF EARLY SETTLERS OF Wtertown, MASS By Henry Bond. Also in VITAL RECORDS OF GROTON Vol One. - William Knapp a carpenter, proprietor 1636/7 Probably came over in 1630 with Nicholas Knapp He died 30 Aug 1658 aged about 80. His will dated 1855 mentioned no wife but in the settlement of his estate his widow Pricilla received one third of it besides the debt due to her for a sum borrowed from her before marriage by widow Pricilla Akers. He married, probably between the time of writing his will and his death, a widow Pricilla Akers widow of Thomas Akers. Most of his estate passed from the possession of his heirs to that of Nathaniel Coolidge. His heirs were sons William, john, james and daughters Mary Smith and Judith Cady He left 96 pounds. another article in the same bood said that the will was set aside because William had maried after making the will and had not provided for her. She, at first, was one of the administrators of the estate but was released. On Dec 1658, the constable of Watertown was ordered by the court to deliver to widow Knapp her chest and other things which son John had detained from her by attachment. Dec 16,1662 Ephraim Childs and Serjt Beers were discharged from administration and were replaiced by John Coolidge and Henry Bright appointed to take their places ( My note-John Coolidge ended up with all the property) Widow Knapp, a town charge in 1681 died a pauper previous to Jan, 1702/-----------------------------------------------------------I WATERTOWN RECORDS 1 st and 2 nd books- In fifth devision of land, William Knop received 30 acres.. Pg 104 of same book " Alfo John Edy Feni and Ifaak Sternes wear a pointed to Feak with William Knop a bought the education od his daughter and to make return how they find it as to her education and alfo being keept vner restraint and Gouerment ----------------------------------------------------------------- From the same Watertown records 1659 " William Knap aged about 80 years deceafed the 30 August. ---------------------------------------------------------------- On page 10 of Watertown Records William Knop received 7 acres.On page 12 he received 90 acres On Page 12 of Watertown Records William Knop Fen received 93 acres in a distribution. Page 54 of Watertown records shows William Knop Fen. owner of 7 properties totaling 165 acres./ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pg 28, Watertown records shows where the town replaced him when he got too old to take care of the meeting house and pound. " Jan 12, 1651 Ordered that old father Knop fhall be payd out of this pfent rate whatfoeuer he can make appeere to be due to him and to be difchardged of his feruice aboute the meeting houfe and keeping of the pound when his yeare is expired which will be vpon the firft of may " Then another entry pain old knop 6 Lb-13- ) ----------------------------------------------------------------- From GREAT LITTLE WATERTOWN by F. Robinson and R. Wheeler William Knapp - came to Watertown in 1630 with Nicholas. His homestall was on the south side of Mount Auburn Street east of the school street. In 1651 Old Father Knop was discharged of his service at the meeting house and keeping the pound. In 1656 he was in want and his children were not ankious to provide, but the next year, aged 79 , he married the Widow Akers after borrowing a sum from her which she collected from his estate the next year. He died, aged eighty, in 1658, leaving seven children who continued in Watertown and Newton. ---------------------------------------------------------------- From GENEALOGICAL REGISTER OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND by John Farmer. Knap, William Watertown 1640 d 30 Aug 1658 at 80 years, ----------------------------------------------------------------- From BONDS GENEAOLGIES AND HISTORY OF WATERTOWN. There is a lot of family information but nothing that is not entered above and in notes..
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from IMMIGRANTS to NEW ENGLAND 1620 - 1633, Vol11 G-0 by Robert Charles Anderson
The inventory of the estate of William Knap late of Watertowne deseased was taken 31 August 1658 and totaled 129 lbs including the house and land valued at 100 lbs. On 1 April 1662 whereas “ William Knap late of Watertown deceased who died intestate” held land which was divided by the court on 15 Oct. 1659 “ to Pricilla Knap hos relict widow” one third for life and the remainder and reversion of the widow’s third to William Knap
John Knap, James Knap, Mary Smith, Judith Cady, children of the said William Knap, together with the children of John Philbricke deceased being the grandchildren of the deseased William Knap.
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From IMMIGRANTS TO NEW ENGLAND 1620-1633 Vol11 G-O R.C.Anderson
Many researchers have claimed that William Knapp and Nicholas Knapp were brothers but there is no evidence of this connection and much against. the most recent investigation of William Knapp shown no evidence of Nicholas Pnapp in the family or even in Bures, St Mary, Sulfolk England. The differ in age is 25 years. William Knapp and Nichoas Knapp lived in the same town for 15 years and never seen to interact in any way.
-----------------------------------------------------------------FromIMMIGRANTS TO NEW ENGLAND 1620 - 1633. by Robert C. AndersonNovember 1630 “ it is ordered that whoever employeth William Knopp or his son in any work shall pay the one half of their wages to Sir Richard Saltonstall and whoever buyeth boards of them shall pay one half of the price to Sir Richard till the money he hath disbursed to them be satisfied”
William--------------------------------------------------------------FromIMMIGRANTS TO NEW ENGLAND 1620-1633 by Robert C. Anderson The estate of William Knapp late of Watertowne deceased was taken 31 August 1658 and totaled 129 Lbs 3 s which included house and land valued at 100 lbs. He died intestate and the court gave his widow a third which would revert back to the estate when she died. The other 2/3 were divided equally belweenchildren William Knapp jr., John Knapp,James Knap, Mary Smith, Judith Cady and children of John Philbricke deseased, being the granndchildren of of William Knapp. The children all confirmed the terms of the settlement. The property including the widow’s third was divided after Pricilla died 1 April 1662.
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He was a carpenter. He signed his papers with a mark.His will included a bible worth 6 s.
Also he was a Sexton and pound keeper.
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From James Knapp,- We know that t,he William Knapp family came to Watertown, Ma. on a ship in the Winthrop fleet. James Knapp says it was probable the Arbella, Capt Peter Milburne, Master. His will was unproven dated 5 July,1655. The estate was settled by the Middlesex Co. Ma Courts. The inventory of his estate was 130 pound.
^ Oct 1633 “ William Knopp is bound in 10 pounds to appear next court and abide the censure of the court for swearing.”