Wallace H. Kneeland (1921-1986) was a well-known and beloved resident of Topsfield who served the town in numerous official and unofficial ways, leading some to refer to him as “Mr. Topsfield.”  Among the official roles he filled were: cemetery superintendent, tree warden, and parks dept. commissioner.  He was a remarkable and devoted local historian who shared his knowledge as a frequent visitor to the public schools, and he served as a volunteer fire fighter until the year of his death.  Friends recalled how he cared for the graves throughout town, especially those of veterans, as if they were his own family members. 

Born in Beverly, Kneeland graduated from Topsfield schools and lived his entire adult life there, leaving his wife Mary L. (Livingston) when he passed away in 1986. 

Two honors are given in his memory: the Wallace Kneeland Community Service Award, and a memorial scholarship.

References

Coughlin, William P.  "Wallace Kneeland, town official some called 'Mr. Topsfield'; at 65" [obituary].  Boston Globe (1986, July 21), p. 25.  

Portrait of Wallace H. Kneeland by Laura Elkins Stover (1986)

This portrait is on display in Topsfield Town Hall.

Contents

Topsfield Times: A Community and Local History Resource

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