Ira O. Knapp (1839-1910) was born in Lyman, New Hampshire, and died in Boston, Massachusetts. Knapp taught in the Lyman district schools and later served for six years as the school superintendent. He also held public office, serving Lyman as selectman, collector of taxes, and overseer of the poor. In 1884, Knapp became interested in Christian Science after meeting Julia S. Bartlett, a student of Mary Baker Eddy's. Soon afterwards, Knapp and his wife, Flavia Stickney Knapp, received Christian Science treatment through prayer from Mary E. Harris, also a student of Eddy's. Knapp studied with Eddy, completing the Primary (1884 and 1885), Obstetrics (1887) and Normal (1888) classes. He joined the Christian Scientist Association in December 1885. In February 1893, Eddy appointed Knapp to serve on the Bible Lesson Committee, a position he held until 1910. He was one of the four people named as The Christian Science Board of Directors under the Deed of Trust dated September 1, 1892. He was also one of the First Members of The Mother Church, later known as "Executive Members," who were the original members when the church was formed on September 23, 1892. There were twelve original First Members. Knapp continued to serve on the Board of Directors for eighteen years, until his passing.

See more letters.