Geddes, he became treasurer and registrar of the college, which position he now occupies.
The mere enumeration of the duties which have fallen upon his shoulders during these years shows how intimately he has been identified with the college in its every interest. Outside of college circles he is recognized as a leading citizen, having been honored by many positions of trust in city affairs, at present as a member of the library board. He is adjutant general of the First Brigade of the Iowa National Guard with the rank of major. He has also been honored with the state presidency of the Iowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
In 1885 Professor Knapp was married to Miss Mary W. McDonald, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, who was also a graduate of the State College in the class of 1883. They have a beautiful home upon the campus of the college and have a happy family of four children, namely : Seaman A., of the class of 1909, now connected with the Valley National Bank of Des Moines, Iowa; Marian Hermine, Jeanette Margaret and Byron McDonald, the last three being students of the college or the Ames schools.
The "Bomb" of 1907 was dedicated to Professor Knapp in the following appropriate words: "To Herman Knapp, a common, big-hearted, lovable man, who disregarding fame and fortune, and place and power, has given the richest years of his unselfish life in loving labor to the upbuilding and advancing of our alma mater, we as a token of our esteem and admiration dedicate this volume." The Class of 1907.
JOSEPH C. Sawtell.
Although seventy-four years of age Joseph C. Sawtell, a well known and prosperous farmer of New Albany township, still continues to take an active interest in business affairs. He has been a resident of the township for more than forty years and is honored as one of its most valued citizens. Born in Lapeer county, Michigan, April 14, 1837, he is the son of Levi and Mary Ann (Canfield) Sawtell, the former born near the Kennebec river in Maine, January 21, 1810, and the latter in the same state in 1815. The mother was of German descent and removed to Michigan in 1836. The father, who was a carpenter and builder by trade, removed from Michigan to La Harpe, a small town near Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1844. The troubles with the Mormons soon created intense excitement throughout that part of the state. Joseph Smith, the Mormon leader, was killed June 27, 1844, while attempting to escape from jail, and soon afterward on account of the disturbed condition of the community Mr. Sawtell returned to Lapeer county, Michigan, where he resumed work at his trade. He passed away in 1887. He was twice married, his second wife being Amanda M. Tripp, a daughter of S. Tripp, of Lapeer county.