Windham

KNAPP, Dexter J.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, part III, 
pp 98-99

Dexter J. KNAPP, of Sioux Falls [Minnehaha County], South Dakota, was born 30 
November 1844 in Dummerston [Windham County, Vermont], son of Gardner and 
Fanny (ALTON) KNAPP. Availing himself of the ordinary school advantages of 
his native place. Began his business career as a dealer in silks at New 
Haven [New Haven County], Connecticut, in 1860. Prospering in this he went 
westward in 1867 and located at Minneapolis [Hennepin County], Minnesota, and 
engaged in the loan and lumber business. Profiting by his experience in the 
past and his connection with large business transactions, he remained here 
until 1877, when he went to Sioux Falls, Dakota Territory, and began active 
operations in real estate. This town, at the time but a mere hamlet, 
afforded a fine field for his business sagacity, and he began buying large 
tracts of lands adjacent to Sioux Falls, also building dwellings on the 
plateau overlooking the Big Sioux River, which a rapidly increasing 
population made necessary. On 01 January 1894 Sioux Falls had a population 
of 15,000, and is located in one of the finest wheat and corn belts in the 
world. On 24 December 1877 Mr. [Dexter J.] KNAPP was married to [Miss?] 
Fanny M. HARMON, of Sioux Falls [Minnehaha County], South Dakota [in 1877 was 
still Dakota Territory; South Dakota a state in 1889], and has two daughters: 
Bessy [Besie?] and Helen.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly