Henry Clay Knoop is now living retired in Casstown. His entire life has been passed in Miami county and the fact that his warmest friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood is an indication that his career has ever been an upright and honorable one. He was born on the old family homestead, adjoining the village of Casstown, December 4, 1843, his parents being Daniel H. and Cassa (Jackson) Knoop. His boyhood days were spent in the country and the work of the farm occupied most of his attention. He pursued his education in the public schools of the neighborhood and enjoyed the sports in which boys of that time indulged. He watched with interest the progress of the war, and, in 1864, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Forty- seventh Ohio Infantry, at Washington, for three months service. On the expiration of that period he re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company B, One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, in which he was made sergeant. In February, 1865, the regiment was sent to the Shenandoah valley, where it was largely engaged in guard duty, spending much of the time at Winchester. After Lee's surrender it was sent to Washington and stationed in that city on guard duty throughout the summer or until October, 1865, when, with his command, Mr. Knoop received an honorable discharge, after about one years service.

After his return home he engaged in the operation of his father's farm on the shares until 1869. On the 23d of February of that year he was united in marriage with Miss Almeda Odaffer, of Lost Creek township. She was born in that township December 7, 1848, and was a daughter of John and Mary (Sword) Odaffer, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Miami county at a very early day. Her parents had a family of nine children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of John Price, of Clark county, Ohio; Catherine, wife of M. Bennett, of Springfield, Ohio; David, deceased; Harriet, wife of J. Routzahn; Eleanor, deceased; Sarah, deceased wife of Alexander Long; Emeline, wife of William Bemer, of Iowa; Mary, deceased wife of D. J. Whitmore; and Mrs. Knoop.

Upon his marriage Mr. Knoop's father gave him one hundred and eighteen acres of land, two miles north of Casstown, and for thirty years he engaged in farming there. As his financial resources increased he made other investments of real estate, becoming the owner of a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres in the same township. At length he sold both properties and came to Casstown, where he is living retired in his pleasant home. Mr. and Mrs. Knoop had two children, but their son, Charles V., died February 2, 1897, at the age of twenty-six years. He was graduated in the Troy High School, in the class of 1892, and, after teaching for one year in Lost Creek township, he entered the Ohio State University as a member of the sophomore class. Although never rugged, he was very energetic and of a studious nature, and was well advanced in his class work. His health, however, at length compelled him to put aside his text-books. He contracted a heavy cold which developed into lung trouble, and, hoping to be thereby benefited, he went to Texas where he spent two winters. The first time he returned home was on Decoration day of 1896, at which time he had apparently fully recovered. He had gained much in weight and had the appearance of enjoying perfect health, but he soon began to fail again and once more went to Texas, but after a few months he was brought home, his death occurring two days later. He was a young man of excellent ability, of strong purpose and laudable ambition and his loss was a great blow to his family. The daughter, Mary C. was graduated in Wittenberg College, in the class of 1896, and is now at home with her father. The mother died after a brief illness December 13, 1899. Her many excellent characteristics had endeared her to all who knew her. She was devoted to her family, was a consistent member of the Lutheran church, and in her life exemplified her belief. Mr. Knoop was also a member of the Lutheran church for many years, and for some time has held the office of deacon. He is a member of the present board of trustees, and has filled that position altogether for about fifteen years. He has also been township treasurer and his duties have ever been discharged in a prompt and faithful manner. He gave his political support to the Republican party until 1896, and was often a delegate to its conventions, but his sympathies were with the free silver people, and in consequence at the last election he voted for Bryan. It would be difficult to find a resident of Miami county more widely or favorably known than Henry Clay Knoop, who has spent his entire life here. He has therefore been a witness of much of the growth and development of the county, and has noted its wonderful progress along many lines. His active aid and co- operation have been given to many movements for the public good, and he is regarded as a reliable and substantial citizen.