Knapp, Burrell & Co.

In those early days, after a firm member had gone east to place the orders, equipment had to be shipped around the horn of South America. Managing such an enterprise took great skill and courage, and Martin Strong Burrell had it. He may have been the most diverse businessman of the implement dealers.

He came to Portland from Ohio in 1856 and gained employment as a bookkeeper for the firm of Knapp & Hull commission merchants. In 1860, Hull retired, and Burrell became a partner with his cousins Jabez B. Knapp and Richard B. Knapp, in Knapp, Burrell & Co. on Front and Alder streets.

Soon, agricultural implements grew from just a department to the whole interest of the company. Burrell's abilities allowed him time to found a system of national banks in Baker City, Pendleton, Walla Walla, Dayton, and Colfax. He also invested heavily in a fleet of sailing vessels managed by a New Bedford, Massachusetts, sea captain.

In 1870, Jabez Knapp sold his interest to his brother Richard. Burrell died in 1885, and Richard Knapp carried on as President. The Knapps and Burrell demonstrated aggressive, progressive leadership. After leaving the firm, Jabez Knapp went across the Columbia River and started a lumber business, as well as cement mines at a site that became the town of Knappton.

Reed, Norman, "Getting the Word Out," Wheat Life, January 2012, pg 62.

1881-08-05: Agricultural Implements - G.W. Watson is building a shed for an agricultural implement depot. He will represent the well-known firm of Knapp, Burrell & Co. This firm deals in none but the best of goods, and no better man than Mr. Watson could be found to represent the house.

1882: The original building at the corner of 2nd and College constructed in 1882 by Knapp Burrell & Co. dealers in farm implements was the beginning of the C.A. Ratcliffe Co. when Mr. Ratcliffe, who had been with the Ladd & Tilton banking firm of Portland, came to Cheney in 1884 to represent Frank Brothers, successors to Knapp Burrell. Source: “85th Year Ratcliffe”, Cheney Free Press, 27 March 1969.

1884: Listed in the Business Directory, Albert Wilton, agent

1888-02-03: We learn from the Davenport Times that C.G. Tipton of this city, will manage Knapp, Burrell & Co’s business there next summer.

1889-01-25 - Real estate sale Richard B. Knapp to Walter F. Burrell lots 6 and 7 block 19. [SFR Pg 4]