JOHAN PHILIP KNAPPENBERGER FAMILY
OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

UPDATED  11 July  2010

GENERAL INFORMATION

Johan Philip Knappenberger, son of J. Henry Knappenberger, was born 7 March 1776 in Lower Macungie Township, Northampton County [later Lehigh County in 1812], PA.  He died 16 March 1851 in Lehigh County, PA.  Johan Philip known as "Philip" had a child with Gertrude JARRETT, daughter of Isaac Jarrett and Catherine Wetzel, but they did not marry.  Gertrude was born 13 October 1777 in Northampton County, PA and died 16 October 1865 in Lehigh County, PA.  Johan Philip married Maria Barbara STETTLER, daughter of Henry Stettler and Barbara Steininger about 1800.  Maria Barbara was born 18 June 1777 in Macungie Township, Northampton County, PA and died 19 April 1854 in Lehigh County, PA.  This couple had eleven children.

CHILDREN
OF JOHAN PHILIP KNAPPENBERGER AND GERTRUDE JARRETT

PHILIP KNAPPENBERGER, JR.  (1800-1884)

Philip, Jr. was born 9 August 1800 in Macungie Township, Northampton County, PA and died 4 February 1884 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA.  He married Anna SCHMOYER and they had ten children.  The Elias Jeremias Knappenberger family of Clinton County, Indiana descends from Philip Knappenberger, Jr.  To learn more about this couple and their family, please click on his name above.

CHILDREN
OF JOHAN PHILIP KNAPPENBERGER AND MARIA BARBARA STETTLER

JONATHAN "JONAS" KNAPPENBERGER (1801-1884)

Jonathan known as "Jonas" was born 11 February 1801 in Northampton County, PA and died 22 June 1884 in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA.  He married Elisabeth ARNER/AHNER, daughter of John and Catherine Arner/Ahner, on 27 November 1827.  Elizabeth was born 3 August 1805 in Macungie Township, PA and died 3 April 1848 in Lehigh County, PA.  This couple had nine children.

1. Henry Knappenberger was born about 1828 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1880 census, Henry is listed as 52 years of age and a widower.  We therefore know that he married but do not know his wife's name at this time.  No children were living with him during the census.  Henry was living with his widowed father.

2. Henrietta Knappenberger "Harriet" also known as "Hattie" was born 17 September 1829 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 March 1913 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Peter SCHIFFERT on 27 January 1851.  Peter was a soldier in the Civil War during 1862-63 in Company A of the 176th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Militia.  They are buried in Solomon's United Church of Christ Cemetery in Lehigh County, PA.  Sometimes the Schiffert name is spelled with the "c".  They had five children.

a. Acquilla Ellen Elizabeth Schiffert born 12 June 1852 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 May 1878 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married James N. HERSH, son of Ephraim Hersh and Catherine Wetzel.  James was born 19 August 1853 in Lehigh Co., PA and died 3 April 1881 in Lehigh County, PA. They had two sons:

William Robert Hersh was born 26 November 1874 in Lehigh County, PA and died sometime after 1930.  After the death of his mother, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle; Maria and Harrison Trapp (see below) .   William married Matilda Ellen DELONG on 15 October 1898.  Matilda was born January 1879 in PA.  They had six children:  Leon Charles Hersh (30 April 1899), Paul C. Hersch(abt 1906), Elda M. Hersch (1909) Harriet E. Hersch (abt 1913), William R. Hersch(4 April 1917-3 February 2006) and Joseph E. Hersch (13 March 1919-10 September 1988).

Edward Tildon Hersh was born 28 Sept 1876 in Lehigh County, PA.  He was raised by his Schiffert grandparents until the death of his grandmother in 1913 when he then lived with his brother.  According to his WWI draft registration, Edward had no hands.  Edward seemingly never married. 

b. Maria E. Schiffert born 24 July 1854 in Lehigh County, PA and died 15 July 1893 in Lehigh Co., PA.  She married Harrison J. TRAPP who was born about 1854 in PA.  They "adopted" their nephew, William Robert Hersch (see above), but he retained his birth name.

c. James Peter Shiffert born 23 August 1861 in Lehigh County, PA and died 29 March 1870 in Lehigh County, PA.   He is buried in Solomon's UCC Cemetery in Lehigh County, PA.

d. Amanda Schiffert born 2 December 1865 and died 17 December 1886 in Lehigh County, PA.   She is buried in Solomon's UCC Cemetery.

e. Cornelia Schiffert born 10 January 1871 in Lehigh County and died sometime after 1910.  She married John L. HERSH, son of William Hersh and Mary Laton, on 20 September 1888.   John was born 16 March 1871 in Berks County, PA and died 3 November 1923.  They had  8 children:  

Wellington Hersh born 3 October 1888 and died 26 February 1889 in Lehigh County, PA.

Emma C. Hersh born 29 August 1889 and died May 1964.  She married James Franklin TROLLINGER, son of Albert and Katie Trollinger,  in 1907.  James was born 16 April 1888 in Berks County and died there on 7 December 1926.  They had 8 children:  Elmer Forrest Trollinger (6 January 1908-14 April 1989), Lillie Trollinger (abt 1909), Charles Trollinger (abt 1911), Curtis F. Trollinger (30 March 1912-12 March 2005), Raymond Trollinger (abt 1914), Marvin Trollinger (1 July 1916-October 1988), Howard S. Trollinger  (10 August 1917-28 September 2005) and Earl Trollinger (abt 1918).

Stella Hersh was born 16 September 1892 and died April 1986 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Michael M. Hoffman in 1907.  Michael was born May 1886 in Berks County, PA.  They had five children:  Verna Hoffman (abt 1909), Edna Hoffman (abt 1911), Helen D. Hoffman (abt 1912), Earl  Hoffman (abt 1916) and Harvey Hoffman  (abt 1917).

Fianna C. Hersh was born October 1894 in Lehigh County, PA and died after 1930 census when she is listed as a widow.  She married Henry Abraham BAUMAN, son of Abraham and Pauline C. Bauman, about 1914.  Henry was born 19 March 1891 in Alburtis, Lehigh Co., PA and died between 1928-1930 in Berks County, PA.  They had five sons:  Stanley W. Bauman (16 December 1914-February 1979), Earnest R. Bauman (abt 1916), Ralph W. Bauman (23 March 1918-October 1987), Leroy Bauman (abt 1922) and Claude Bauman (abt 1928).

Charles Hersh was born 2 December 1897 in Lehigh County, PA and died there in June 1965.  He married Elsie WOODRING, daughter of Harvey Woodring and Lydia Christ.  Elsie was born 9 August 1895 in Lehigh County, PA and died September 1977.  They had two children:  Charles Harvey Hersh. (30 Sept 1918-14 April 1967) who married Rubie FEGELY (1922) and Irene Hersh (21 Aug 1920-2 March 2005) who  married Clarence Albert FOLK (22 December 1914-11 July 1953).

William Henry Hersh was born 15 March 1899 and died March 1975 in Lehigh County, PA.   He first maried Daisy K.E. HELFERICH, daughter of Charles Helferich and Emma M. Woodring, on 23 Oct 1915.  Daisy was born 1896 and died between 1920 and 1922.  William remarried Anna KELSH, daughter of Jacob S. Kelsh and Emma Kepner on 15 April 1922.  Anna was born 19 Aug 1900 in Berks Co., PA and died June 1977 in Lehigh County, PA.  William and Anna had one daughter,  Arlene K. Hersh born about 1922. 

Minnie F. Hersh was born 14 July 1903 and died 14 August 1996 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married William J. Treichler who was born 21 May 1903 and died July 1968.  They had three children:  Stanley R. Treichler (abt 1922), William J. Treichler and Betty Jane Treichler.

Raymond T. Hersh was born 1 Nov 1909 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 Feb 2003.  

3. Sarah Knappenberger was born about 1832 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1870 census, she is listed as 35 years of age, single, living with her widowed father.

4. Caroline Knappenberger was born 3 August 1834 and died 27 January 1865 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married James Jacob MILLER in August 1852.  He was born 7 June 1832 in PA and died 30 March 1905.  They had 6 children:   Victor Miller (about 1853) who married Laura (maiden name unknown) who was born about 1854 in PA and had a son, Howard Miller born about 1873),  Elmira Miller (abt 1855), Oscar Miller (abt 1857), Emma Miller(1860), Oliver Miller(abt 1861) and Webster Miller (abt 1864).    After Caroline's death, James Miller remarried to Catherine (maiden name unknown) and had another child:  Lewis (abt 1870). 

5. Jonathan Knappenberger known as "John" was born 25 August 1836 in Lehigh County, PA and died 15 October 1872 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Elvinia [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1840 in Pennsylvania.  In the 1870 census for Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA, this family lists three children: Tilly, age 8, Oliver, age 4 and Clinton, age 2.  By the 1880 census, the two boys are boarders in two different households which might indicate that Elvinia had also passed away.  

a.  Tilly Knappenberger was born about 1861 in Lehigh County, PA.

b.  Oliver Monroe Knappenberger was born November 1865 in Lehigh County, PA and died 1949.  He married Elizabeth Ann BUZBY, daughter of William B. Buzby and Susan Bockius.  Elizabeth Ann also known as "Ann Lizzie" was born April 1867 in Spring House, Montgomery County, PA and died in Kintnersville, Montgomery County, PA on 27 August 1930.  This couple is buried in Hatboro Cemetery in Montgomery County, PA.  This couple had one daughter:   

Olive L. Knappenberger was born June 1892 and died October 1973 in Philadelphia, PA.  She married Anthony REZZONICO about 1921.  He was born 2 June 1884 in Switzerland and immigrated to the US in 1906.  Anthony died July 1973 in Philadelphia, PA.  It seems that they had no children. 

c.  Clinton W. Knappenberger was born September 1867 in Lehigh County, PA.  He first married Laura (maiden name unknown) who was born January 1873 in PA.   This couple had three children but the marriage ended in divorce.  Clinton moved to Madison Township, Buchanan County, Iowa where he was a farm laborer in the 1900 census.  The census indicated that he was divorced.  His son, Oliver, 8 years old and a boarder, was listed in the 1900 census and was living on a farm nearby his father.  In the 1900 census for Allentown, Lehigh County, PA, Laura had remarried to Harvey HILLEGAS (born August 1872) and her daughter with Clinton Knappenberger, Ellen (born March 1893), was living with them.   Laura and Harvey had been married less than one year and the census indicates that Laura had given birth to 3 children of which all 3 were alive in 1900.   At this time we do not know where their son, Frank, was living in 1900.   Oliver later moved back to Allentown, Lehigh County, PA in the 1910 census and was living in the same boarding house as his sister, Ellen.  Clinton W. married a second time on 27 August 1907 in Marion County, Indiana to Susan C. SANBORN who was born 10 May 1864 in New Hampshire.

a.  Frank Johnson Knappenberger , son of Clinton W. and Laura Knappenberger, was born 22 July 1887 in Lehigh County, PA and died in 1928 in Lehigh County, PA.  Frank married Lottie R. GREENAWALD(T), daughter of Llewellyn and Alice Greenawald(t), about 1907.  Lottie was born February 1888 in Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County, PA.  Sometime after the 1930 census, Lottie remarried to Harvey Seibert.  Frank and Lottie had 7 children:  

Laura A. Knappenberger was born 3 April 1908 and died November 1981.  She married Thomas F. DIEHL about 1925.  He was born 1905 and died in 1945.  They had 3 daughters.  Laura later married Ambrose Kulp and then Stanley S. Moyer on 14 Sept 1963.  Stanley was born 8 May 1912 and died February 1978.  

Monroe John Knappenberger was born 30 January 1910 in Lehigh County, Pa and died 31 Dec 1957 in Montgomery Co., PA.  He married Esther Gertrude KRAEMER who was born 20 Oct 1918 and died 27 march 2007.  They are buried in Finland Mennonite Church Cemetery.  They had 6 children.  

Edith Knappenberger was born 24 August 1911 and died July 1980.  She married Daniel TRUMP who was born 24 June 1902 and died June 1970.

Frank Llewellyn Knappenberger was born 30 November 1913 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 December 1978 in Montgomery Co., PA.  He married Carrie WALTER who was born about 1926.  This marriage ended in divorce.  They had 3 children of which two were given up for adoption.

Elmer T. Knappenberger was born 14 July 1916 in Lehigh Co., PA and died 17 March1971 in bucks County, PA.  He married Margaret KOPP, daughter of William Alfred Kopp and Flora Kramer.  Margaret was born 30 May 1920 and died 25 Jan 1994.  They had 3 children.

Frances Sarah Knappenberger was born 10 July 1920 in Lehigh Co., PA and died 16 May 1999 in Montgomery Co., PA.  She married William Herman KRAEMER, Jr. who was born 16 Oct 1913 and died 27 April 1974.  They had 4 children.

Alton Warren Knappenberger was born 31 December 1923 in Lehigh Co., PA and died  9 June 2008 in Montgomery Co., PA.  Alton is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  Alton W. Knappenberger was the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor during World War II.      Click here for more information.

Alton first married Ruth Eichner in august 1944 but this marriage ended in divorce.  He married Mary E. Hoff about 1927.  Mary died in 1970 in Montomgery County, PA.  Alton and Mary had 6 children.  Alton married Hazel Marie Hamlin on 29 Aug 1976.  

b. Oliver Monroe Knappenberger was the son of Clinton W. and Laura Knappenberger.   He was born 14 March 1890 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married about 1911 to Emily N. BARTHOLOMEW, daughter of George B. and Mamie H. Bartholomew of Northampton County, PA.   Emily was born September 1894 in PA.   Later, Emily married Howard MOUNT.  Emily and Oliver had four children:  

Hilda May Knappenberger was born about 1911 in Lehigh County, PA and died sometime prior to 1997.  She married Hilton Harrison WOLFE, son of Alfred J. Wolfe and Elizabeth Sarah Johnson, on 5 Aug 1933 in Berks County, PA.  Hilton was born 12 June 1908 and died 10 Jan 1997.  

Clinton Alexander Knappenberger was born 28 October 1915in Allentown, PA and died 19 February 1984 there.  He married Ruth M. SCHELL, daughter of Irwin Schell and Lilian Maicks.  Ruth was born 30 November 1916 and died  5 November 1990 in Lehigh Co., PA.   They had two children.

Emily L. Knappenberger was born 19 September 1917 and died 14 February 1983 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Randall C.R. SCHOENER, Sr. who was born 14 December 1913 and died April 1975 in Lehigh County, PA.  They had 7 children.

Ferne A. Knappenberger was born 30 January 1921 in Lehigh County, PA and died there on 15 Nov 2004.  She married Robert C. QUINN, son of Robert J. Quinn and Helen M. Gehris, in February 1946.  Robert was born 27 Nov 1920 in Lehigh County, PA and died there on 10 July 1998.  Ferne and Robert are buried in Northwood Cemetery.  They had a daughter.

Ellen Knappenberger was born March 1893 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1900 census for Allentown, PA, Ellen Knappenberger, age 7, is living with her mother, Laura, who was remarried to Harvey Hillegas.  In the 1910 census, Ellen was living in the same boarding house as her brother, Oliver Knappenberger.  Nothing further is known about her at this time.

6. Elizabeth Knappenberger  known as "Eliza", was born December 1838 in Lehigh County, PA and married Henry SCHAEFFER.   Henry was born June 1840 in PA.  They had seven children:  

Oscar Schaeffer born about 1862, Eleanora Schaeffer or Elmira born about 1865, John Schaeffer born about 1868 and died young, William Schaeffer born about 1870, James Schaeffer born about 1874, Orwin Schaeffer born about 1875 and Cora Schaeffer born about 1878; all born in Lehigh County, PA.

7. William Knappenberger was born February 1842 in Lehigh County, PA and died between 1920 and 1930 in Trumbull County, Ohio.  William married Martha (maiden name unknown) who was born about 1851 in Ohio and died prior to the 1900 census.  He shortened his name to KNAPP for a period of time.  William was a shoemaker.  In the 1870 census for Mahoning County, Ohio, William Knappenberger was 27 years of age working as a shoemaker and living with his uncle, Solomon Knappenberger [see below].  William KNAPP was found in the 1880 census for Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio (36 years of age) with his wife, Martha (age 29), and two children.  William was found in the 1900 census for Newton Falls, Trumbull County, Ohio as William Knapp and widowed.  William was found in the 1910 census for Newton Falls, Trumbull County, Ohio listed as William KNAPPENBERGER (age 68, born in Pennsylvania, living alone).  In 1920, he was living with his son as a widower at the age of 78.  

a.  Frank Joseph Knappenberger may have shortened his name to KNAPP on some occasions.  However, Frank is found in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 censuses for Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio with the full name of KNAPPENBERGER.  Frank J. was born 10 January 1875 in Ohio.  His World War I card lists his name as Joseph Frank Knappenberger.  He married Flora W. [last name unknown] in about 1908 in Ohio.  Flora was born about 1879 in Ohio and died 21 October 1960 in Trumbull County, Ohio at the age of 81 and widowed.  Her death certificate gives her name as Flora W. KNAPP.  No children were listed for this couple in the census. Frank was a foreman for Packard Electric.

b.  Myra KNAPP was born May 1878 in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.  She is listed in the 1880 census as 2 years of age.  At this time we do not have any further information on her.

8. James Knappenberger was born 7 March 1845 and died 28 December 1858 in Lehigh County, PA as a young boy.

James Knappenberger's tombstone at Lehigh Zion Church Cemetery, Alburtis, Lehigh County, PA 
[photo graciously provided by Diane M. White of Lincoln, Nebraska]

9. Maria A. Knappenberger as born 22 July 1846 and died 8 August 1853 in Lehigh County, PA at the age of seven.

JOHN PHILIP KNAPPENBERGER (1802-1873)

John Philip, known as "Philip", was born 7 April 1802 in Northampton County [later Lehigh County], PA and died 22 October 1873 in Lehigh County, PA.  He remained at home on the family farm and never married.  In the 1870 census he was living on the farm with his widowed sister-in-law, Helen Knappenberger, and her four youngest children.

John Philip Knappenberger's tombstone at Lehigh Zion Church Cemetery, Alburtis, Lehigh County, PA 
[photo graciously provided by Diane M. White of Lincoln, Nebraska]

LYDIA KNAPPENBERGER (1803-1841)

Lydia was born 17 December 1803 in Northampton County, PA and died 26 May 1841 in Lehigh County.  She is buried at Lehigh Zion Church in Alburtis, Lehigh County, PA.  She married John "George" BAER / BEAR on 5 August 1821 in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA.  George, son of Melchior Baer III and Anna Catharine Desch, was born 5 April 1799 in Northampton County, PA and died 1880 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1880 census, George Bear is 81 years of age, widowed, living in Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County, PA with his widowed daughter, Julian, and her daughter, Sarah Butterwick.  Lydia and George had five children before Lydia's early death.

1. Juliana Ann Bear was born 4 December 1822  in Lehigh County, PA and died 1894.  She married Aaron Leiser BUTTERWECK, son of Joseph Butterweck, Jr. and Elizabeth Leiser.  This family seemingly changed the spelling of their last name to BUTTERWICK.  Aaron was born September 1818 in PA and died 14 September 1863 in Lehigh County, PA.  .  This couple is buried at Blue Church Cemetery in Limeport, PA .  They had seven children.

a. Wilmer Butterwick was born about 1846 in Lehigh County, PA.

b. Clinton Butterwick was born 28 May 1847 in Lehigh County, PA and died on 29 October 1876 in Lehigh County, PA.  He is buried in Blue Church Cemetery, Limeport, PA.

c. Henry Butterwick was born about 1849 in Lehigh County, PA and died between 1850-1860 in Lehigh County, PA.  

d. Clementine Butterwick was born about 1851 in Lehigh County, PA.

e. Wilson B. Butterwick was born July 1853 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Carrie AFFLERBACH who was born February 1860 in PA.  They had eight children: Maggie Butterwick (born June 1880), Edwin A. Butterwick (born 15 July 1882), Emma Butterwick (born December 1884), Miriam Butterwick (born July 1887), Carey A. Butterwick (a boy born 5 Novl 1890), Paul A. Butterwick (born 30 October 1892), Claude A.  Butterwick (born 11 July 1896) and Grace Butterwick (born about 1903).  In the 1900 and 1920 census, Wilson and family were living in Telford, Bucks County, PA where he was a bank teller.

f. Sarah Butterwick was born about 1856 in Lehigh County, PA.

g. Preston Butterwick was born about 1858 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1880 census, he was 22 years, single, and working as a sculptor in Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County, PA.  

We are interested in learning more about this BUTTERWECK or BUTTERWICK family.  Please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net

2. Henry K. Bear was born 22 July 1827 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Sarah ACKER who was born 15 December 1833.  They had four children.

a. Charles A. Bear was born August 1854 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Anna S. [maiden name unknown] who was born July 1854 in PA.  They had three sons: Charles H. Bear (born February 1874), Raymond R. Bear (born December 1876) and Robert G. Bear (born January 1878).  All were born in Lehigh County, PA.  The 1900 census for Allentown, PA lists Charles as a furniture manufacturer.

b. Jane Bear was born about 1858 in Lehigh County, PA.

c. George E. Bear was born August 1861 in Lehigh County, PA.  George married Hesta [maiden name unknown] who was born January 1864 in PA.  They had one son, George Bear, Jr. (born September 1883).  In the 1900 census for Allentown, PA, George is listed as a furniture manufacturer.

d. Frank W. Bear was born December 1863 in Lehigh County, PA.  Frank married Mary E. UHL who was born December 1865 in PA.  Her parents were born in Germany.  They had two children: Golden M. Bear (a daughter born July 1886 in Lehigh County, PA) and Russell F. Bear (born November 1890 in Lehigh County, PA).   Frank, in the 1900 census, was a dealer of bread.

3. Sarah Elwina Bear was born 19 November 1829.  She was living in her father's household in 1850.

4. Stephen Bear was born 9 July 1831.  He was living in his father's household in 1850.

5. William Bear was born September 1840.  He died prior to 1850 because he was not living in his father's household in 1850 nor was he mentioned in his grandfather's will dated 1851.

ANNA MARIA "POLLY" KNAPPENBERGER (1805-1879)

Anna Maria known as "Polly" was born 21 July 1805 in Northampton County, PA (later became Lehigh County) and died 2 August 1879 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married John KEMMERER on 2 October 1825.  John was born 22 February 1803 in Northampton County and died 29 June 1880 in Lehigh County, PA.  The 1880 census for Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA lists John Kemmerer as 77 years of age, widowed, and a retired farmer.  This couple had no children as far as is known.

HENRY KNAPPENBERGER  (1806-1863)

Gravemarkers of Helena [Ilick] Knappenberger and Henry Knappenberger
 Lehigh Zion Church Cemetery, Alburtis, Pennsylvania
[photos graciously provided by Jay & Nancy Knappenberger]

Henry was born 2 October 1806 in Northampton County, PA and died 28 September 1863 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Helena ILICK about 1847 in Lehigh County, PA.  Helena, daughter of Samuel Ilick and Abigail Brey,  was born 3 September 1825 in PA and died 8 September 1899 in Lehigh County, PA.  This couple had nine children.  For more information on this couple, click on his name above.

JACOB KNAPPENBERGER (1808-1884)

Jacob was born 6 October 1808 in Northampton County, PA and died 15 August 1884 in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA.  Jacob married Catherine Gertrude known as "Charity" WENDLING on 28 May 1835.  Gertrude was born 25 October 1815 in Berks County, PA and died 9 May 1888 in Lehigh County, PA.  This couple had eight children.  For more information on this family, click on his name above.

JUDITH K. KNAPPENBERGER (1810-1852)

Judith was born 12 January 1810 in Northampton County, PA and died 8 May 1852 in Lehigh County, PA.  She was buried in Solomon Church Cemetery, Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA.  She married Benjamin DIEFENDERFER, son of Henry Diefenderfer and Susanna Jarrett.  Benjamin was born 3 October 1804 in Northampton County (later Lehigh County) and died 1 February 1887 in Pymatuning Township, Mercer County, PA.   He is buried in Reichart Cemetery, Transfer, Mercer County, PA.  This family moved to Mercer County in the 1850s after Judith's death.  Judith and Benjamin had ten children.

1. William Diefenderfer was born 1829 in Lehigh County, PA and married Melisana FREDERICK who was born about 1832 in PA.  They had seven children.

a.  Peter Diefenderfer was born about 1852.

b.  Benjamin Diefenderfer was born about 1853 in Pennsylvania.

c.  Oscar M. Diefenderfer was born 3 December 1856.  He married Zadia E. BEAN, daughter of Hugh Lawrence Bean and Maria Ann Holby, on 15 October 1885 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA.  Zadia was born 7 December 1858 in Mercer County, PA and died there on 15 October 1928.  They had four children:  Effie Diefenderfer, Moses Diefenderfer (December  1885 - 1953), Daniel Diefenderfer (October 1887 - 1968) and Prescott L.R. Diefenderfer (19 July 1896 - May 1983).

d.  Hetty Diefenderfer was born in 1858.

e.  William Diefenderfer was born about 1861 in Mercer County, PA.

f.  Amanda Diefenderfer was born about 1864 in Mercer County, PA.

g.  Agnes Diefenderfer was born about 1870 in Mercer County, PA.

2. Annie Diefenderfer was born 21 September 1831 in Lehigh County, PA and died 29 October 1901 in Mercer County, PA.  She married Charles H. DIEFENDERFER, son of Moses Diefenderfer.  Charles was born 21 September 1829 and died 18 February 1899 in Mercer County, PA.  This couple was buried in Reichart / Richart Cemetery, Transfer, Mercer County, PA.   They had seven children listed in the 1870 and 1880 censuses.

a. William O. Diefenderfer was born about 1857 in Pennsylvania.

b. Benjamin F. Diefenderfer was born about 1859 in Pennsylvania.

c. Mary S. Diefenderfer was born about 1861 in Pennsylvania.

d. Sarah Diefenderfer was born about 1862 in Pennsylvania.

e. Moses George Diefenderfer was born about 1867 in Pennsylvania.

f. Kate Diefenderfer was born about 1871 in Pennsylvania.

g. Edith Diefenderfer was born about 1873 in Pennsylvania.

3. Tilghman Diefenderfer [written as "Tilman" on his grave marker] was born 30 October 1833 in Lehigh County, PA.  He died 26 January 1870 in Mercer County, PA and is buried in Reichart Cemetery, Transfer, Mercer County, PA.

4. Maria Diefenderfer was born 1835 in Lehigh County, PA and married Daniel MAURER.  Daniel was born about 1832.

5. George B. Diefenderfer was born 1838 in Lehigh County, PA and died 1910 in Mercer County, PA.  He is buried in Reichart Cemetery.  George married Emma E. who died before 1910.  They had a son.  George was living with his brother James Monroe in the 1910 census at 71 years of age and a widower.

a. Victor Diefenderfer.

6. Salome Diefenderfer known as "Sally" was born 1839 in Lehigh County, PA.  Sally married John DERR who was born about 1835 in Pennsylvania.  They had a son.

a. Frank Derr was born about 1864 in Mercer County, PA.

7. James Monroe Diefenderfer was born 17 May 1843 in Lehigh County, PA and died 25 August 1915 in Mercer County, PA.  He married Lydia KEMERER known as "Lottie".  Her mother's name was Susan.  Lydia was born 10 October 1848 in Mercer County, PA and died 20 February 1928 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA.  This couple had eight children.

a. Frances E. Diefenderfer was born 5 December 1871 in Mercer County, PA and died 20 May 1940 in Mercer County, PA.  She is buried in Delaware Cemetery, Pymatuning Township, Mercer County, PA.  Frances married William HITTLE who was born about 1870.

b. Frederick Sylvester Diefenderfer was born 1874 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA and died 24 October 1954 in Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona.  He first married Laura Marie BEIL on 15 May 1899 in Mercer County, PA.  Laura was born about 1884 and died 1903 in Mercer County, PA.  She is buried in St. John's Cemetery in Mercer County, PA.  This couple had two children:  Ralph James (20 April 1900-November 1977) and Alice Marie (12 April 1903-November 1952).  

Frederick then married for a second time to Mary Malinda BEIL on 17 October 1905 in Mercer County, PA.  Mary was born 17 January 1888 in Mercer County, PA and died 25 February 1975 in Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona.  This couple had five children:  Helen May Diefenderfer  (22 October 1916-29 October 1945) and four other children who are still living.

c. Clara A. Diefenderfer was born 10 June 1875 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA and died April 1969 in Mercer County, PA.  Clara married Franklin David CHRISTMAN, son of Reuben Jacob Christman and Margaret Hasenplug.  Frank was born about 1863 in Mercer County, PA and died between 1915 and 1919 in Mercer County, PA.  Frank was most likely married prior to Clara and had a son named Harry born about 1889.  

Clara and Frank had 5 children:  James E. Christman (born about 1904 in Ohio), Twyla L. Christman (born 25 May 1906 in Ohio), Charles F. Christman (14 July 1908 PA-30 August 1993), Robert C. Christman (16 March 1910 PA-15 Nov 1995) and Woodrow S. Christman (4 November 1914 in PA-13 October 1997 in Mercer County, PA).  Frank died between 1915-1919 for Clara is listed in the 1920 census as a widow living in Greenville, Mercer County, PA.

d. Lizzie M. Diefenderfer was born 4 March 1877 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA and died 1962.  She married Orrie F. FRYE who was born about 1875.

e. Harvey A. Diefenderfer known as "Harry" was born 13 March 1879 in Mercer County, PA and died 19 August 1890 in Mercer County, PA.

f. Elda Mabel Diefenderfer was born 21 October 1881 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA and died 14 February 1962.  She married Harvey J. SMITH who was born about 1880.   They had a daughter named Grace M. SMITH born about 1903 in Mercer County, PA.

g.  Armina Ellen Diefenderfer was born 6 February 1884 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA and died 23 February 1967.  She married Clayton A. WHEELER who was born 11 February 1871 in PA.  The 1920 census for South Pymatuning Township, Mercer County, PA indicates Clayton A. Wheeler as 49 years of age and Armina E. as age 36.  In this census they also have two daughters:  Margaret E. Wheeler (born about 1910) and Roseanna M. Wheeler (born about 1917 in Mercer County, PA). 

h. Edwin Eugene Diefenderfer was born 1886 in Mercer County, PA and died 1901 in Delaware Township, Mercer County, PA.

8. Eli Diefenderfer was born 31 August 1845 in Lehigh County, PA and died 4 September 1925 in Mercer County, PA.  He married Sarah "Louise" Diefenderfer, daughter of Charles Diefenderfer and Catherine Kemerer,  in 1870 in Mercer County, PA.  Louise was born 5 May 1850 and died 10 November 1935 in Mercer County, PA.  This couple had nine children.

a. Cora Diefenderfer was born 1872 in Mercer County, PA.

b. Nevin Franklin Diefenderfer was born 13 September 1874 in Mercer County, PA and died 13 October 1960 in Sharon, PA.  Nevin Franklin married Mary Susan REICHARD who was born 15 July 1875 in Sharpsville, Mercer County, PA and died 1 February 1917 in Sharpsville, Mercer County, PA.  This couple had one daughter: Kathryn Louise Diefenderfer (9 July 1899-11 May 1991) who married Beryl Edison INBODY (1898-1965) on 6 September 1918.

c. J. Melinda Diefenderfer was born 1876 in Mercer County, PA.

d. Samuel Diefenderfer was born 1879 in Mercer County, PA.

e. George S. Diefenderfer was born December 1884 in Mercer County, PA.

f. Laura M. Diefenderfer was born April 1885 in Mercer County, PA. 

g. Stella Diefenderfer was born June 1888 in Mercer County, PA. 

h. Eva Diefenderfer was born August 1889 in Mercer County, PA.

i. Charles Diefenderfer was born August 1892 in Mercer County, PA.

9. Jeremiah Diefenderfer was born 1848 in Lehigh County, PA.   Jeremiah was single in the 1880 census.

10. Sylvester Diefenderfer was born 1852 in Lehigh County, PA.   Sylvester was single in the 1880 census.

Click here for more information on the DIEFENDERFER FAMILY.

SOLOMON KNAPPENBERGER (1811-1893)

Solomon was born 11 May 1811 in Northampton County, PA and died 5 February 1893 in Austintown Township, Mahoning County, Ohio.  Solomon moved to Ohio prior to the 1850 census where he was listed as a gunsmith born in Pennsylvania and living in Youngstown Township, Mahoning County, PA.  He is listed in the 1860, 1870 and 1880 censuses for Austintown Township, Mahoning County, Ohio.  Solomon married Elizabeth FULK on 8 February 1852 in Mahoning County, Ohio.  Elizabeth was born 8 March 1823 in Ohio and died 8 October 1911 in Mahoning County, Ohio.  This family is buried in the Cornersburg Cemetery.  Solomon and Elizabeth had one daughter:

1.  Mary Jane Knappenberger was born 12 October 1856 in Mahoning County, Ohio and died 6 December 1891.  In the 1870 census, she was listed as 14 years of age.  Mary Jane married Lewis Adelbert ZIMMERMAN, son of Charles Louis Zimmerman and Margaret Schaum.   Mary Jane and Lewis had five children.

a.  Dayton A. Zimmerman was born 21 October 1877 in Mahoning County, Ohio and died in 1969 in Hapeville, Georgia.  Dayton married Bertha DEEMER (1882-1947).

b.  Charles Louis Zimmerman was born 30 January 1879 in Mahoning County, Ohio and died 22 December 1955 in Pico, California.  He married Harriet HARRIS who was born 3 November 1879 and died 29 December 1943 in Mahoning County, Ohio.

c.  Madge Zimmerman born in Mahoning County, Ohio.

d.  Wright Zimmerman born in Mahoning County, Ohio.

e.  Edith Zimmerman born December 1885 in Mahoning County, Ohio and died 4 February 1904.

Special thanks to Richard Zimmerman of Ohio
who shared his information related to
the Knappenberger/Zimmerman family.   

REBECCA "MARGARET" KNAPPENBERGER (1813-1842)

Rebecca "Margaret" was born 4 January 1813 in Lehigh County, PA and died sometime after 1870 in Berks County, PA.  She married William KERCHER, son of Samuel and Annie Kercher, on 24 March 1842.  William was born about 1823 in Maxatawny Township, Berks County, PA and died after 1870 in Berks County, PA.  This couple had five children.

1. Ellamanda Kercher was born about 1847 in Berks County, PA.

2. Nathaniel F. Kercher was born about 1848 in Berks County, PA.

3. Sarah E. Kercher was born about 1850 in Berks County, PA.

4. William H. Kercher was born about 1854 in Berks County, PA.  He married Catherine R. [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1854 in PA.  They had three children by the 1880 census:  Bertha M. (born about 1874 in Berks County, PA), Annie L. (born about 1876) and George E. (born about 1879).

5. Roger W. Kercher was born about 1856 in Berks County, PA.

SALOME "SALLY or SARAH" KNAPPENBERGER (1815-1894)

Salome known as "Sally or Sarah"" was born 25 February 1815 in Lehigh County, PA and died 23 November 1894 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA.  She married Leon Fisher FENSTERMAKER, son of John Fenstermacher and Dorothy Fisher, on 16 October 1842.  Leon was born 30 October 1814 in Longswamp Township, Berks County, PA and died 1 May 1889 in Berks County, PA.  This couple had six children.

1. Emeline Fenstermaker was born 7 April 1843 in PA most likely Berks County.

2.  Mary Anna Fenstermaker was born 18 November 1844 and died 2 April 1847.

3.  Sarah Fenstermaker was born about 1848 in PA.

4. Henry K. Fenstermaker was born 9 November 1850 in  PA and died 14 February 1917 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Anna Elisabeth HAAS known as "Lizzie", daughter of Nathan T. Haas and Eliza Butz, on 3 June 1876 in Berks County, PA.   She was born 13 December 1850 in Berks County, PA and died 26 June 1894 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA.  This couple had three children.

a.  Ellen A. Fenstermaker known as "Ellie or Ella" was born February 1878 in Berks County, PA.  It seems likely that Ella did not marry.

b.  George Leon Fenstermaker was born 19 March 1879 in Berks County, PA.  He married Annie M. LONG about 1905.  Annie was born about 1884.   They had two daughters:  Margaret Leanda born about 1907 and Eleanor who was born about 1914.  This family lived in Allentown where George was a barber.

c.  Carrie Nora Fenstermaker was born 13 November 1882 in Berks County, PA and died 23 February 1931 in Washington, DC.  She married James Allen HOFFMAN on 4 December 1908.   He was born 17 November 1884 and died 13 April 1968.   They had three daughters:  Dorothy, Beatrice and Ethel.

5.  James O. Fenstermaker was born about 1853 in Pennsylvania and died 1932 in Longswamp Township, Berks County, PA.  He married Florenda L. MILLER about 1874.  She was born June 1856 in PA and died 1931 in Berks County, PA. This couple had twelve children of which 11 lived to adulthood.

a. William A. Fenstermaker was born about 1875 in Berks County, PA.  He married Emma TREXLER, daughter of John Trexler, about 1898.  Emma was born about 1875 in PA.  They had three children:   Lloyd B (abt 1899), May T. (abt 1905) and Ralph W. (abt 1909) who married Lillian Kroninger. 

b. Jennie Fenstermaker was born about 1876 in Berks County, PA

c. Emma Fenstermaker was born about 1879 in Berks County, PA.

d. Francis D. Fenstermaker was born 1 October 1880 in Berks County PA  and died 5 June 1963.  He married Flossie Susan FEGLEY on 1 January 1906.  Flossie was born about 1889 in PA.  They had two sons:  F. Leroy Fenstermaker born about 1908 and M. Harold Fenstermaker born about 1915 who married Esther Epting in 1939.

e.  Maggie Fenstermaker was born about 1884 in Berks County, PA.  In 1920, Maggie was listed as 34 years of age and single. 

f. Leon Fenstermaker was born about 1885 in Berks County, PA.  He married Sallie M. (maiden name unknown) who was born about 1888 in PA.  They had two children:  Clayton A. Fenstermaker born about 1907 and Edna E. Fenstermaker born about 1912.  

g. Florenda Fenstermaker was born 30 December 1887 in Berks County, PA and died there on 22 November 1891.

h. Stella Fenstermaker.

i. James F. Fenstermaker.

j. Harvey Fenstermaker was born about 1892 in Berks County, PA

k.  Daisy Fenstermaker was born October 1994 in Berks County, PA.

l. Harry Fenstermaker was born March 1899 in Berks County, PA.  He married E. Sadie (maiden name unknown) about 1910.  E. Sadie was born about 1900 in PA.  They had a daughter named L. Betty Fenstermaker.

4.  Hannah Elmira Fenstermaker was born about 1855 in Berks County, PA

If you can help us with this Fenstermaker/Fenstermacher Family, please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net

TEVILLIA KNAPPENBERGER (1817-1885)

Tevillia was born 1817 in Lehigh County, PA and died 27 April 1885 in Lehigh County, PA.  She had a child with Benjamin JARRETT, Sr. named Benjamin Jarrett, Jr. but this couple did not wed.  Tevillia married Seth SCHELL who was born 12 May 1818 in Lehigh County, PA.  He was the son of George and Catherine Schell.  The marriage ended in divorce sometime between 1870 and 1880.  In the 1880 census, Tevillia Schell is living with her brother, Jonathan, at the age of 63 and her marital status is listed as divorced and Seth Schell is listed as divorced in the 1880 census for Hanover Township, Lehigh County, PA living with two daughters.  This couple had seven children.

1. Benjamin Jarrett, Jr. was the son of Tevillia Knappenberger and Benjamin Jarrett, Sr.  He was born November 1836 in Lehigh County, PA.  He first married Ellen who was born about 1842 in Pennsylvania.  They had a daughter, Aggie, born about 1863 in Lehigh County, PA.  This family was living in Allentown in the 1880 census with Benjamin listed as a cigar maker.   Ellen died prior to 1895 when Benjamin remarried Maggie who was born March 1872 in Pennsylvania.  Benjamin and Maggie had a son, Roscoe Jarrett, who was born September 1895.  

2. Nathaniel Addison Schell was the son of Tevillia Knappenberger and Seth Schell.  He was born 9 November 1842 and died 29 May 1863.  He married Lizetta between 1860 and his death.

3. Ellamanda Schell was the daughter of Tevillia Knappenberger and Seth Schell.  She was born about 1845 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1880 census, she was 35 years of age and single living with her divorced father.

4. Martha Ann Schell was the daughter of Tevillia Knappenberger and Seth Schell.  She was born about 1851 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married William FOLTZ who was born about 1843 in Pennsylvania.  In the 1880 census, they had a five year old daughter, Cornelia, born about 1875 in Lehigh County, PA.

5. Amelia Schell was the daughter of Tevillia Knappenberger and Seth Schell.  She was born about 1855 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Frank BITTING and had a daughter, Carrie Bitting, born July 1879 in Lehigh County, PA.

6. Alavesta Schell was the daughter of Tevillia Knappenberger and Seth Schell.  She was born about 1857 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Walter MACK.

7.  Mary Anne Schell was the daughter of Tevillia Knappenberger and Seth Schell.  She was born about 1859 in Lehigh County, PA and seemingly died at a young age.

8. Albert Schell was the son of Tevillia Knappenberger and Seth Schell.  He was born about 1863 in Lehigh County, PA.

The information on this family came primarily from
Dorothy Worman Swezak's book written in 1990.
However, some additional information located in Ohio helped locate 
his son, Solomon, and his grandson, William (son of Jonathan). 
If you have any further information on any of these branches, 
please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net