Born in Colchester, New York, Charles Knapp was educated at home and later attended the common schools.

He farmed and worked as a school teacher before starting a career as a merchant in 1825.

Knapp was later active in several other ventures, including a lumber mill and a tannery.

Originally a Democrat affiliated with the Martin Van Buren organization, Knapp served in the New York State Assembly (Delaware Co.) in 1841.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress