ROGER KNAPP was born before 1618 in England. He is said to have been a planter, Indian Trader, and land speculator. In volume one of Jacobus's History & Genealogy of Families of Old Fairfield we find the following:

"Knapp, Roger:
Very early settled at New Haven, ...; had been in Delaware Bay before 1644, and was a poor man. His wife and children were mentioned 1647. He removed to Fairfield, and was one of four "poor men" to whom the will of Dr. Pell, 1669, gave their debts to him. Married (1) (???), she was executed for witchcraft in 1653. Married 2) Elizabeth Dickerson."

"Very early Roger settled at New Haven, as he relinquished his right, by signing his mark, to any of the land purchased by the New Haven colonists from the Indians 11 Dec. 1638. Took oath of fidelity at New Haven, July 1644; had been in Delaware Bay before 1644, and was a poor man. His wife and children were mentioned 1647. He removed to Fairfield, and was one of four "poor men" to whom the will of Dr. Pell, 1669, gave their debts to him." (See F.O.O.F., Vol. 1 at pp. 364, 365)."

The name of his father is unknown although sources have given birth information for his father as 1560 in St. Mary Stoke, Ipswich, Suffolk County, England and his mother's name is given as "Jane." I don't know where this information came from -- perhaps the popular Knapp Genealogy by A.A. Knapp. It is best for now to just state that his parents are unknown. Contrary to many early writings, Roger Knapp was not a brother of (nor was he related in any way) to Nicholas Knapp. (DNA test results have shown this as well --WRK-- )

His first wife is listed only as "Goody" or "Goodwife" Knapp. He probably married her in England before 1637. "Goodwife" died in Fairfield, Fairfield Co, Connecticut. According to Jacobus, she was hung for witchcraft in 1653 (some sources indicate that it was 1654).

Roger Knapp married 2nd to Elizabeth Dickerson in Fairfield, Fairfield Co, CT, abt. 1655. Elizabeth was born in Fairfield, Fairfield Co, CT abt 1637. She was the daughter of Thomas Dickerson and Mary. After Roger Knapp died Elizabeth married a Mr. Wake in Fairfield, Fairfield Co, CT, abt 1676. Elizabeth died bef November 9, 1691 in Fairfield, Fairfield Co, CT.

The will of Roger Knapp of Fairfield was dated 21 March 1672/73 and names wife Elizabeth, and children Jonathan, Josiah, Lydia, Roger, John, Nathaniel, Elizabeth and Mary, some of whom were minors. Inventory was taken and his will was proved 20 September 1675 so it is safe to say that he died before that date in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Known children of Roger and Goody Knapp :

1. JOSIAH KNAPP, born 1652 in Connecticut.

2. LYDIA KNAPP, married Richard Miles (or Mills?)

3. JONATHAN KNAPP (Not known to have ever married.)

Known children of Roger Knapp and Elizabeth Dickerson:

1. ROGER KNAPP

2.  ELIZABETH KNAPP

3.  JOHN KNAPP, born in Fairfield, Fairfield Co, CT. He married Sarah Hull; died Bef. 26 July 1746 in Fairfield, Fairfield Co, CT.

4. NATHANIEL KNAPP

5. MARY KNAPP

6. SARAH KNAPP 

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