Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search results

Knapp, Joseph Burke

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1880-1954

Biographical Information

Joseph Burke Knapp was born in Evansville, Indiana on October 3, 1880 to Mary and Dr. Emil Knapp. Knapp enrolled at Purdue University in 1900 and became a well-known member of several atheltics teams. A member of the 1904 football team, Knapp was on the train carrying the Purdue squad that collided with another on October 31, 1903. Knapp sustained severe injuries to his knee from the crash and never played football again. However, he was able to complete his degree in civil engineering, graduating with his class in June 1904. Knapp went on to work for the United States Department of Agriculture. He pioneered work in transportation of food during World War I and eventually created his own company based in Portland, Oregon. Knapp died on July 9, 1954.

Citation

Nickolas, Alexandria, "Joseph Burke Knapp: "A Barnacle on the Ship of Progress"" (2014). Honors College Student Publications. Paper 4. This book chapter is a contribution to Bross, Kristina, "Little Else Than a Memory: Purdue Students Search for the Class of 1904" (2014). Scholarly Publishing Services e-Books. Book 8.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Joseph Burke Knapp scrapbook

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MSA 335
Scope and Contents The Joseph Burke Knapp scrapbook contains news clippings, programs, photogaphs, postcards, and other information related to Knapp's senior year at Purdue University.  A popular student and great athlete, much of the scrapbook consists of sports notes, news, photographs, items, pins, and ribbons attached in the beginning of the scrapbook as well as loose materials near the end of the scrapbook.  The scrapbook also includes details about the 1903 train wreck that claimed the lives of several...
Dates: 1900 - 1905