JONATHAN KNAPPENBERGER FAMILY
OF PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO

 

Johan Erhard
(1704-1776)
V
Philip Frederick
(1738-1829)
V
Jonathan
(1787-1850)
V
John (1812-1888) > 9 Children
Maria Anna (1813-?)
William (1815-?)
Sara (1817-?)
Peter (1819-1884) > 2 Children KNOPPENBERGER/KNOPENBERGER
Catherine (1821-?) >  4 Children
Abraham (1823-1884) > 6 Children   KNAPPENBERG
Anna Maria (1826-?) > 8 Children
Lisetta/Lusetta (1827-?)
Charles “Carl” (c1829-?) > 3 Children
Anna Elisabeth “Eliza” (1833-?) > 10 Children
Rabene (Rebecca) (c1836-?)

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Jonathan Knappenberger, son of Philip Frederick Knappenberger, was born 24 January 1787 in Whitehall Township, Northampton County, PA (which later became Lehigh County, PA in 1812) and died March 1850 in Northampton County, PA from cholera.  Jonathan married Susanna STOUT on 15 September 1811.  She was born about 1792 in Pennsylvania and died September 1860 in Catasaqua, Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1860 census, Susan Knappenberger is living with her married daughter, Eliza Kratzer.

Two of Jonathan’s and Susanna’s children, Peter and Abraham, moved with their families to Ohio.  Abraham moved his family to Seneca County, Ohio and Peter moved his family to Medina County, Ohio.  Jonathan and Susanna had twelve children.

 

CHILDREN

JOHN KNAPPENBERGER (1812-1888)

John was born 10 January 1812 in Northampton County, PA and died 11 November 1888 in Bethlehem, Lehigh County,  PA.  He married Anna FEHR, daughter of John Fehr of Bushkill Township.  Annie was born about 1809 in Pennsylvania and died  February 1881 in Lehigh County, PA.  She is buried in Jordan Reformed Church cemetery in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1880 census, John (age 67) and Annie (age 71) were listed as living in North Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA.  An item in the Bethlehem Daily Times stated that John was the father of nine children, four of whom were surviving at his death.

1. Pauline Elisabeth Knappenberger was born 18 September 1834 in Moore Township, Northampton County, PA and was christened on 8 November 1834 in Salem Church, Moore Township, Northampton County, PA.  It seems likely that she died at an early age.

2.  Sarah Ann Knappenberger known as “Sallie” was born 15 April 1836 in Northampton County, PA and died 5 September 1918 in Northampton County, PA.  She married Abraham FREY/FRY who was born 12 December 1834 in Northampton County,  PA and died 21 August 1909 in Northampton County, PA.  They are buried in Green Mount Cemetery, Bath, Northampton County, PA.   The 1900 census indicates that Sarah had given birth to ten children of which five were alive in 1900.  We have information on seven of the children:

a.  Elizabeth E. Frey born about 1854 in Northampton County, PA.  In the 1870 census, she was listed as 16 years of age.

b.  Rebecca M. Frey born about 1855 in Northampton County, PA.  In the 1870 census, she was listed as 15 years of age.

c .  Ellen A. Frey born 20 May 1858 in Northampton County, PA and died 10 November 1884 in Northampton County, PA.  She married Morris Charles BEERS who was born 4 February 1854 in Northampton County, PA and died 4 November 1908 in Northampton County, PA.  They are buried in Zion UCC (Stone) Church Cemetery in Kriedersville, Northampton County, PA.  Together they had 3 children:  Edna M. Beers (born about 1878), George Wellington Beers (13 December 1879) and Addie F. Beers (13 November 1881).  After Ellen’s death, Morris married her younger sister, Agnes [see below].

d. Emma J. Frey born about 1861 in Northampton County, PA.   She was 9 years of age in the 1870 census.

e. Agnes C. Frey born 17 July 1866 in Northampton County, PA and died 1 January 1929 in Northampton County, PA.  Agnes married Morris Charles BEERS on 16 December 1884 who was the widower of her older sister, Ellen who had died in November 1884.  Agnes is buried in Zion UCC (Stone) Church Cemetery with her husband and sister.  Agnes and Morris had two sons:

  • Daniel Abraham Beers born 9 March 1885 in Northampton County, PA and died 8 December 1961 in Trumbull County, Ohio.  He married Florence May BIERY who was born 26 March 1884 in PA and died 14 June 1963 in Trumbull County, PA
  • Morris Wilbert Beers was born 14 December 1886 in Northampton County, PA and died 12 June 1937 in Northampton County, PA.  He married Mary R. MILLER who was born 27 March 1889 and died 4 October 1946.  They are buried in Zion UCC (Stone) Church Cemetery.

f. Arthur Wellington Frey was born 4 September 1873 in Northampton County, PA and died 4 January 1939 in Northampton County, PA.  He married Mary A. [maiden name unknown] about 1897.  Mary was born 1876 in PA and died 29 October 1956 in Northampton County, PA.  They are buried in Forks Township Cemetery, Stockertown, Northampton County, PA.  They had 3 children:

  • Harry A. Frey born 1900 in Northampton County, PA and died 15 November 1982 in Northampton County, PA.  He is buried in Forks Township Cemetery.
  • Ruth V. Frey born about 1913 in Northampton County, PA.
  • Raymond E. Frey born 15 April 1915 in Northampton County, PA and died 16 February 1972 in Northampton County, PA.  He is buried in Forks Township Cemetery.

g. Sarah A. Frey was born about 1876 in Northampton County and died between 1920 and 1930 in Northampton County, PA.  She first married George HACKMAN and had a son: George Stanley Hackman (born 12 February 1898 in Northampton County, PA) who married Mary Martha GALLEGHER (24 April 1898-April 1981) about 1921.  Sarah A. Frey later married  William H. HERBST about 1899.  William was born September 1870 and died sometime after 1930.  They had 3 children all born in Northampton County, PA:  Annie E. Herbst (born January 1900), Charles A. Herbst (born about 1905) and Harry W. Herbst (born about 1917).

3. John “Edward” Knappenberger was born November 1838 in Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA and died 17 April 1917 in Northampton County, PA.  He married Sarah N. HAGENBACH, daughter of Elizabeth, who was born November 1838 in Pennsylvania and died 18 June 1910 in Northampton County, PA  They are buried in Fairview Cemetery, Northampton County, PA.  They had four children.

a.  Anna Knappenberger was born about 1859 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1860 census, she is listed as 8 months of age.  She is not listed in the 1870 census.  We believe that she died between 1860 and 1870.

b.  Mary C. Knappenberger was born about 1863 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1880 census for Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA she is listed as 18 years of age.

c.  Sarah Agnes Knappenberger was born about 1864 in Lehigh County, PA.  In the 1880 census she is listed as 17 years of age.  Sarah Agnes had two children, but she never married:

  • Fannie Kathline Knappenberger was a daughter of Sarah.  Fannie’s father was  Harry KLINE but Sarah and Harry did not marry.  Fannie was born 26 February 1881 in Northampton County, PA and died 18 May 1882 in Northampton County, PA.  Although her burial in Nisky Cemetery indicates that she was the daughter of J.E. and Sarah Knappenberger, her baptism records indicate that her mother was Sarah Agnes Knappenberger.
  • Pansy A. Knappenberger was born 24 March 1882 in Northampton County, PA.  She was the daughter of Sarah Agnes Knappenberger and William Washington YOHE, but they did not marry.  William Washington Yohe later went on to marry Mary Lillian Knappenberger [see link].  In the 1900 census Pansy is listed as 18 years of age and listed as “Pauline E.” Knappenberger living with John Edward and Sarah Knappenberger.  Pansy married William Henry SMITH in 1901.  William was born 11 October 1880 in Macungie, Lehigh County, PA and died sometime after 1942 most likely in Northampton County, PA.  Pansy died sometime after the 1920 census.  Pansy had four children – one daughter before her marriage and three sons with her husband:
    * Meta Sarah Knappenberger was born 17 August 1899 in Northampton County, PA.  Meta was the daughter of Pansy Knappenberger and Walter CLARK according to baptism records, although they did not marry.  Meta married Howard L. HOUSE who was born 1 April 1892 in West Virginia; this marriage ended in divorce.  Meta and Howard had a daughter named Marguerite House (5 March 1923-28 August 1988) who married William C. KECK (7 July 1922-October 1985).
    * John Henry Smith born 21 February 1903 in Northampton County, PA.  He was the child of Pansy and William Henry Smith.
    * William Robley Smith born 24 October 1906 in Northampton County, PA.  He was the child of Pansy and William Henry Smith.
    * Charles Edward Smith born 27 January 1909 in Northampton County, PA.  He was the child of Pansy and William Henry Smith.

d. John Henry Knappenberger was born 18 January 1865 in Lehigh County, PA and died 10 October 1900 in  Northampton County, PA.  He is buried in Nisky Cemetery, Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA.  He married Sara M. FETTER, daughter of John and Catherine Fetter, on 1 March 1890.  Sarah was born January 1861 in Pennsylvania and died after 1910 in Northampton County, PA.  John and Sarah had no children.  Sara had been married previously to George Franklin HUTH (9 August 1856-7 April 1886) and with him had a son named George Albert Huth who was born 12 October 1885 and died 27 November 1940.

4. Charles Knappenberger was born about 1842 in Northampton County, PA and died between 1893-1900 in Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA.  He was a fireman. He married Royal SNYDER who was born 25 Dec 1840 in Pennsylvania and died between 26 Nov 1914 in Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA.  The 1910 census indicates that Royal had given birth to four children of which two were alive at that time.

a.  Laura C. Knappenberger was born 23 August 1865 and died 26 Feb 1947. She married Thomas SIEGFIED who was born 17 Jul 1854 in Pennsylvania and died 17 Dec 1931.  In the 1900 census for Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA, they had been married 12 years and had no children.  Living with them at that time was her widowed mother and two siblings, William and Mary J.  In the 1910 census, her mother was living with them and her sister, Mary J., was as well.

b.  Samuel M. Knappenberger was born in 1872.

c.  William C. Knappenberger was born June 1873 in Northampton County, PA and died in 1902. In the 1900 census, he was 26 years of age, single and a bartender.

d.  Mary Jane Knappenberger was born 15 April 1875 and died 1 Jul 1958.  In the 1900 census, she was 25 years of age, single and a servant.  She seemingly never married for, in the 1930 census, she was still single and living with her married sister, Laura.

5.  Eva Rebecca Knappenberger was born 7 April 1843 in Lehigh County, PA and died 5 June 1868 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Peter A. KOCHER, son of Elias Kocher and Esther Hensinger, on 3 August 1862 in Lehigh County, PA.  Peter was born 23 September 1834 in Lehigh County, PA and died 28 December 1907 in Lehigh County, PA.  Peter was a shoemaker.  They are buried in Jordan Reformed Cemetery.  This couple had two sons.

a.  John E. Kocher was born January 1863 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Mary A. LOBACH, daughter of Sarah, about 1884.  They had two sons and lived in Allentown, PA.  Their sons were Robert A. Kocher (born March 1885) and Harvey Kocher (born October 1888).

b.  George Henry Kocher was born 26 March 1866 in Lehigh County, PA and died 18 August 1944 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Sarah Elizabeth BRENSINGER known as “Lizzie” about 1884.  Lizzie was the daughter of William Brensinger and Catharine Ann Adams.  She was born 9 March 1867 in Alburtis, Lehigh County, PA  and died 30 November 1955 in Lehigh County, PA.  This couple and many of their children and grandchildren are buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Allentown, PA.  They had 12 children:

  • Morris Henry Kocher was born 17 October 1885 and died 27 December 1946.  He married Carrie M. [maiden name unknown] who was born 4 January 1890 and died 6 August 1955.  They had a daughter, Arlene G. Kocher, born about 1912.
  • Frederick William Kocher was born 26 February 1888 and married Beulah M. FRIES, daughter of Henry B. and Lizzie M. Fries, in December 1907.  Beulah was born about 1891.  They had 3 children:  Mildred May (20 May 1908-20 November 1911), Dorothy I. (about 1914)  and Frederick W. Kocher, Jr.
  • Betty “Bessie” C. Kocher was born 29 December 1885 and died 1 April 1960.  She married Harry C. EISENHARD and had three sons:  William, Frederick (1923-1975) and Richard H. (1927-1945).
  • Maud Kocher was born August 1889 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA
  • Ellen May Kocher was born 1 August 1890 and died  22 February 1910.
  • Mayme Helen Kocher was born 8 October 1892 and died December 1974.  She married Chester Arthur CONRAD who was born 9 April 1894 and died December 1964.  They had 8 children:  Ruth E. (5 October 1914-25 April 1934); Harold N. (9 December 1917-9  June 1990) who married Dorothy M. HEISERMAN (1921-19 April 2006); Jack W. (20 August 1922-30 August 2009) who married Anabel R. BUSH (1928-12 June 2007); Lorraine J. (born about 1925) who married Samuel GENTILE Sr. (1915-5 August 1999); Raymond K. (11 January 1927-19 June 2014) who married Joyce A. WISSER (16 July 1929-5 January 1998); George A. (born about 1930); Gloria who married Michael J. MARTIN (3 July 1930-18 December 2002); and Chester.


Mayme Helen [Kocher] Conrad
and Chester Arthur Conrad,
with grandson Dwight Conrad,
son of  Raymond and Joyce Conrad


Ruth E. Conrad, daughter of
Mayme and Chester Conrad,
with her grandmother Tillie Parker
[photos graciously provided by
Matthew Conrad]

  • Warren O. Kocher was born  8 July 1897 and died 13 November 1901.
  • Blanche M. Kocher was born 2 February 1900 and died 16 December 1991.  She married Edward William YOCUM (2 August 1897-16 October 1941), son of William and Jennie Yocum.  They  had a daughter Thelma M. Yocum (14 August 1918-29 June 1988) who married Norman J. H. YODER (born about 1916-24 December 2008), son of Henry B. Yoder and Ellen S. Bortz.  After Edward’s death Blanche later married Harry I. REX (8 November 1901-May 1978).
  • Russell Robert Kocher was born 4 July 1902 and died 28 May 1910.
  • Elwood Earl Kocher [twin] was born 17 April 1904 and died 1 December 1984.
  • Ruth Elizabeth Kocher [twin] was born 17 April 1904 and died 21 April 1904.
  • Harold George Kocher was born 12 July 1907 and died 9 October 1990.  He married Alexandra Eva SYDOROWICZ, daughter of Gregory Sydoravych and Kataryna Mary Nima, on 14 September 1938.  Alexandra was born 15 April 1915 and died 15 June 1993.  They had one daughter.  Harold loved jazz, played the tenor sax, and had his own dance band in the years prior to 1938.  He was an insurance agent, as was his father, until 1950 when he became the sales manager for the Lehigh Valley Motor Club, now AAA.


Sarah Elizabeth [Brensinger] Kocher
and George Henry Kocher
[photo provided by Phyllis Kocher Reimer
– daughter of Harold George Kocher]


Harold George Kocher
[photo provided by Phyllis Kocher Reimer
– daughter of Harold George Kocher]

 

6. Caroline L. Knappenberger was born 17 November 1845 in Lehigh County, PA and died 6 September 1921 in Northampton County, PA.  She married Peter A. KOCHER, her sister’s widow, about 1868 [see above].  Peter was born 23 September 1834 in Lehigh County and died 28 December 1907 in Lehigh County, PA.  Caroline is also buried at Jordan Reformed Church.  The 1900 census reports that this family was living in North Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA.  At that time, Peter and Caroline had their 26-year-old, single son, Frederick, living with them.  Also in the household was a 9-year-old grandson named Fred H. Swartz who was born May 1891.  At this time we do not know who his parents were.

a.  Rebecca Matilda Kocher was born in 1870 in Siegersville, Lehigh County, PA.  She died after 1892 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Harvey Elmer HERSH, son of James N. Hersh and Emma Mertz, on 14 August 1887 in Lehigh County, PA.  Harvey was born January 1870 and died 9 November 1924 in Allentown, PA.  They had no children.  This marriage ended in divorce in 1891.  Rebecca married Albert SWOYER, son of Joseph Swoyer, on 29 June 1892 in Siegersville, PA.  Albert was born about 1869 in Berks County, PA.

b. Arabella J. Kocher was born March 1872 in Lehigh County, PA and died between 1900 and 1910 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Alvin ADAMS, son of William Adams, on 30 May 1890 in Fogelsville, Lehigh County, PA.  Alvin was born October 1868 in Berks County, PA.  They had five children:  Edna C. Adams (born March 1891), Mary R. Adams (born May 1895), Fred Adams (born November 1896), Charles William Adams (born 22 April 1898) and Pauline Adams (born November 1899).

c.  Frederick E. Kocher was born November 1873 in Lehigh County, PA.  He died between 1910 and 1918.  Fred married Anna M. [maiden name unknown] about 1904 in Pennsylvania.  Anna was born in 1881.  They had two sons:  Ralph E. Kocher (22 January 1905 – August 1979 in Lehigh County, PA) and Joseph P. Kocher (born about 1907 in Lehigh County, PA).  This family was living in Riverside, California in the 1910 census but was living in Allentown, PA in 1920 with Anna remarried to Clement C. GUTH.

d. Charles P. Kocher was born February 1878 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Jane A. [maiden name unknown] who was known as “Jennie” about 1899.  Jennie was born March 1879 in Pennsylvania.  They had at least 7 children:  Malcolm C. Kocher (8 May 1900-December 1979) who married Nora E. EASTMAN, William E. Kocher (born about 1901), Rollin R. Kocher (born about 1903), Verna M. Kocher (born about 1905), Jennie G. Kocher (born about 1907) who married Paul WERNER, Esther Kocher (born about 1918) and Betty Kocher (born about 1921).

e.  Ralph Perman Kocher was born January 1885 and died at the age of 11 months and 10 days on 8 February 1886 in Lehigh County, PA.  He is buried at Jordan Reformed Church.

7. Peter K. Knappenberger was born 6 February 1851 in Lehigh County, PA  and died 20 January 1925 in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA.  Peter married Emma C. BENNICOFF, daughter of Reuben Bennicoff and Caroline Shoemaker.  Emma was born 16 November 1851 in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 5 February 1931 in Lehigh County, PA.  They are buried in Ziegels Church Cemetery in Lehigh County, PA.  They were farmers in Upper Macungie Township.  They had seven children.

a.  Agnes Jane Knappenberger was born 28 December 1871 in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 26 July 1954 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Oscar “Eugene” F. STAUFFER, son of Henry Stauffer and Sarah Walbert, on 21 December 1889.  Eugene was born 4 July 1866 in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died in Lehigh County on 22 January 1955.   They had nine children:  Malcolm F. Stauffer (9 August 1891-29 January 1909),  Henry P. Stauffer (29 August 1892-13 August 1953), William C. Stauffer (born about 1894), Howard “Richard” Stauffer (9 July 1896), Annie Caroline Stauffer  (16 July 1897-19 September 1897),  Mamie A. Stauffer  (18 December 1900-February 1991) who married Charles “Edwin” SEISLOVE (6 May 1900), Helen M. Stauffer (born about 1906), Mabel P. Stauffer  (born about 1910), and Edwin George Stauffer (6 September 1911-10 March 1996) who married Helen B. SCHWARTZ (22 August 1913-15 February 1993).

b.  Charles John Peter Knappenberger was born 23 January 1874 in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA on 29 July 1940.  In the 1930 census for Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA, Charles is 56 years of age, single and a dealer in horses.  Also in the household is his widowed mother, Emma, age 87.  Charles never married.

c.  Franklin P. Knappenberger was born 25 February 1877 in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 4 July 1881 in Lehigh County, PA at the age of 4.

d.  Edwin Henry Knappenberger was born 15 August 1880 in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 11 April 1941 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA.   Edwin is buried in Ziegels Church Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA.  Edwin first married Laura R.G. ROTH on 24 December 1901.  Laura was born 30 June 1884 and died 12 June 1910.  Laura is also buried in Ziegels Union Church Cemetery.  Edwin and Laura had four children.  Edwin married for a second time to Acquilla M. TYSON, daughter of Jesse J. Tyson and Lydia Herman, on 24 July 1915.  Acquilla was born 1889 in Berks County, PA and died 16 August 1958 in Lehigh County, PA.  Edwin and Acquilla had one daughter:

  • Verna Emma Knappenberger, the daughter of Edwin and Laura, was born 7 May 1902 in Lehigh County, PA and died February 1974 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Fred L. BACHMAN, son of Solomon P. and Rosy L. Bachman, on 11 September 1919.  Fred was born 9 December 1898 in PA and died July 1969 in Lehigh County, PA.  They had 3 daughters:*  Irene L. Bachman was born 10 September 1920 in Lehigh County, PA and died 5 October 2010 in Topton, PA.  She married Robert F. GREENAWALD who was born 7 May 1920 and died May 1975.*  Beatrice R. Bachman was born 17 September 1923 in Lehigh County, PA and died 5 November 1993 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Marvin D. CHRISTMAN in January 1942.  Marvin was born 30 June 1920 in Lehigh County, PA and died 22 December 2000 in York County, PA.*  Anna Bachman who died prior to 2010.  She married a Mr. GEORGE.
  • George Peter D. Knappenberger, the son of Edwin and Laura, was born 1903 in Lehigh County, PA and died 21 March 1954 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Beulah M. KRAUSE, daughter of Henry A. Krause and Cora H. Leiser, about 1923.  Beulah was born 16 December 1901 in Lehigh County, PA and died January 1974 in Lehigh County, PA.  They are buried in Ziegels Union Cemetery, Breinigsville, Lehigh County, PA.  They had 3 children:*  Arlene M. Knappenberger was born 13 November 1922 and died August 19, 2007.  She married Amandus W. HEMERLY (born about 1916) and later married Lewis E. HUNSICKER (16 June 1907-13 August 1990) and then Merrill R. MOYER (14 September 1930-11 June 2002).  She is buried in Ziegels Union Cemetery.*  A son was born 20 May 1923 and died May 1923 in Lehigh County, PA.  He is buried in Ziegel’s Union Church Cemetery.*  Dorothy E. Knappenberger was born in 1925.  She married  Lawrence S. KRUMANOCKER, son of Lawrence W. Krumanocker and Irene B. McGardner , August 1948.  Lawrence was born 7 November 1922 in Lehigh County, PA and died 25 October 2005 in Lehigh County, PA.
  • Arthur E. Knappenberger, the son of Edwin and Laura,  was born 26 May 1906 in Lehigh County, PA and died 10 November 1978 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Mildred A. [maiden name unknown] about 1924.  Mildred was born about 1909 in PA.  Arthur later married Jean B. [maiden name unknown].  Jean was born 1899 and died 1957 in Lehigh County, PA.  She is buried in Ziegels Union Cemetery.  Arthur and Mildred had 2 children:*  Baby Knappenberger born and died 1925.  Buried in Ziegels Union Cemetery.*  Mae A. Knappenberger who married Irwin H. RADER, Jr. , son of Irwin H. Rader, Sr. and Ella E. Keim on 19 December 1946.  Irwin known as “Skip” was born 21 June 1923 in Lehigh County, PA and died 6 January 2009 in Lehigh County, PA.  He is buried in Ziegels Union Cemetery.
  • Hilda Missouri Knappenberger, the daughter of Edwin and Laura, was born 10 April 1910 in Lehigh County, PA and died 8 May 1941 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married William Moses ROTH, son of Osviille P. Roth and Anna T. Reber, on 25 December 1927.  William was born 2 November 1902 in Germansville, PA and died 9 Mary 1988 in Lehigh County, PA.  They are buried in Heidelberg Church cemetery.  They had 3 children:*  LaRue Laura Roth was born 31 January 1930 and died 9 December 1999.  She married Albert W. WILSON on 8 November 1952.*  Robert F. Roth was born 4 April 1931 and died 8 September 1997.  He married Lois M. EVANS in July 1965.*  Richard O. Roth was born 5 June 1933 and died 13 January 1998.  He  first married Helen S. SIMOCK and later married Wanda E. BLUMENSTINE in November 1981.
  • Florence Louisa Knappenberger, the daughter of Edwin and Acquilla, was born 15 October 1915 and died 6 March 1996.  She married Raymond D. GRIM, son of William R. Grim and Sadie L. Miller in April 1938.  Raymond was born 15 February 1903 and died 8 November 1990 in Lehigh County, PA.

e. Oliver Richard Knappenberger was born 4 July 1883 in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 8 December 1919 in Lehigh County, PA.  Oliver married Katie F. HUNSICKER, daughter of Joseph Hunsicker and Matilda Walbert.  Katie was born 22 April 1886 in Weisenberg Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 19 August 1946 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA.  They are buried in Ziegels Church Cemetery.  Oliver and Katie had 4 children:

  • Carrie Emma Matilda Knappenberger was born 6 July 1904 and died 30 June 1989.  She married David R. BAUER, son of Nicholas and Mary Bauer, on 22 January 1921.  David was born 20 May 1885 and did 14 December 1961.  They had 3 children:   Marie M. Bauer (29 January 1921-30 July 1994) who married Steward E. MOYER (16 August 1919-20 December 1991), Evelyn K. Bauer (1922-12 January 2016) who married Joseph P. MILLER, and Warren D. Bauer.
  • Edna May Knappenberger was born 9 June 1906 and died 28 April 1972.  She married James C. FRITCH, son of Samuel Fritch and Ellamenda Moser.  James was born 18 February 1897 and died 12 March 1974).  They had 4 children:  Harold James Fritch (8 September 1923-14 January 2007), James Oliver Fritch (7 January 1926-13 January 2000), Edna Mary Fritch and Barry L. Fritch.
  • Willard Peter J. Knappenberger was born 15 April 1912 and died March 1929. He is buried in Ziegel’s Union Church Cemetery.
  • Erma Ellen Knappenberger was born 20 July 1915 and died 13 January 1977.  She first married  Oscar M. REIFINGER (29 January 1914-15 December 1988) and had 2 children.  This marriage ended in divorce.  She later married Paul Alfred FATZINGER, Jr.

f.  Mary A. Knappenberger was born May 1885 in Lehigh County, PA.  She married Victor E. WERT, son of Eli and Rebecca Wert.  Victor was about 1878 in Lehigh County, PA.  They had a son who was born 28 April 1904 who died as an infant.

g.  William Harvey Knappenberger was born 15 May 1889 in Fogelsville, Lehigh County, PA and died March 1967 in Orefield, Lehigh County,  PA.  William married Annie R. SCHNECK on 7 September 1911.  Annie was born 1887 and died 1962 in Lehigh County, PA.  This couple is buried in Morganland Union Church Cemetery, Lowhill Township, Lehigh County, PA.  It seems that they had no children.  In  the 1930 census for Allentown, Lehigh County, PA, William H. Knappenberger is listed as 40 years of age with his wife, Annie, age 42.  William’s occupation was truck driver at that time.

8.  Matilda Knappenberger was born about 1853.  She died prior to 1888 when her father died.   She is listed in the 1860 census but not the 1870 census.

 

MARIA ANNA KNAPPENBERGER (1813-?)

Maria Anna was born 25 October 1813 in Northampton County, PA.

 

WILLIAM KNAPPENBERGER (1815-?)

William was born on 10 October 1815 in Northampton County, PA.

 

SARAH KNAPPENBERGER (1817-?)

Sarah was born on 14 June 1817 in Northampton County, PA.

 

PETER KNAPPENBERGER (1819-1884)

This family spelled their last name as KNOPPENBERGER or KNOPENBERGER.  Peter was born 17 October 1819 in Northampton County, PA and died 6 August 1884 in Medina County, Ohio.  He married Catherine QUIGLEY who was born about 1819 in Pennsylvania and died sometime after 1880 in Medina County, Ohio.  Sometime prior to 1854,  Peter moved his family to Medina County, Ohio.  In 1880, Peter and Catherine were living in Montville, Medina County, Ohio.  Peter and Catherine are buried in Acme Lutheran Cemetery, Medina County, Ohio.  Peter and Catherine had two children.

1. Mary Elta Knappenberger was born 10 April 1843 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania and died 9 October 1900 in Summit County, Ohio.  She married Benjamin F. FEHR, son of Edwin and Sally Fehr.  Benjamin was born 30 August 1851 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania and died 19 November 1934 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. This couple is buried in Acme Lutheran Cemetery, Medina County, Ohio.  They had a son.

a.  Edwin Peter Fehr who was born 10 October 1874 in Medina County Ohio and died 1 March 1961 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County,  Ohio.  He married Florence J. ALBAUGH known as “Flora”, daughter of James Albaugh and Hanna M. Boyd.  Flora was born 27 June 1874 in Guernsey County, Ohio and died sometime after 1930.  It seems that this couple had no children.  Edwin’s widowed father, Benjamin, was living with them in the 1910 and 1930 censuses.

2. John Knoppenberger was born 12 June 1854 in Medina County, Ohio and died 24 September 1934 in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio.  He married Catherine “Cassie” CAPP, daughter of Martin Capp/Kapp and Maryetta Reich, on 12 October 1876 in Medina County, Ohio.  Catherine was born 19 August 1857 in Medina County, Ohio and died 13 April 1937 in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio.  They are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wadsworth Township, Medina County, Ohio.  They had two children.

a.  Harvey Clarence Knopenberger was born 12 August 1881 in Medina County, Ohio and died 3 May 1959 in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio.  He married Lucetta D. MANGES, daughter of Edward A. and Sophis Manges, about 1905.  Lucetta was born 2 may 1880 in Wayne County Ohio and died in 1953 in Wayne County Ohio.  This couple is buried in Wooster Cemetery, Wayne County, Indiana.  They had no children.

b. Floyd Knoppenberger was born September 1886 and died 2 January 1887 in Medina County, Ohio.  He is buried in Acme Lutheran Cemetery, Guilford Township, Medina County, Ohio.

 

CATHERINE KNAPPENBERGER (1821-?)

Catherine known as “Katie” was born 14 September 1821 in Moore Township, Northampton County, PA and was christened 18 November 1821 in the Salem Lutheran and Reformed Congregation in Northampton County, PA.  She died sometime after the 1880 census.  She married Jacob BARTHOLOMEW who was born about 1818 in Pennsylvania and died in 1902 in Schoenersville, Lehigh County, PA.  A “Jacob & Catharine Bartholomew” lived in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, PA in 1880 along with one daughter: Jane Bartholomew (born about 1855 in Pennsylvania).   We have information on four children born to this couple.

1. Sarah E. Bartholomew was born September 1847 most likely in Lehigh County, PA.  She first married William MOHR who was born about 1847 in Pennsylvania and died September 1870 in Lehigh County, PA.  Sarah and William  had two children.  Sarah E. then married Marcus W. SNYDER about 1877 in Lehigh County, PA.  Marcus was born June 1857 in Pennsylvania.  In the 1880 and 1900 censuses, Sarah and Marcus were living in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, PA.  Sarah and Marcus had no children together.

a.  Harvey Joseph Mohr, child of Sarah and William, was born about 1868 in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.  He was living with his maternal grandparents in the 1880 census at the age of 12.

b.  Anna Mohr/Moore, child of Sarah and William, was born about 1870 in Lehigh County, PA.   She was living with her mother and step-father in the 1880 census at the age of 10.

2.  Jeremiah M. Bartholomew was born September 1852 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Ellen APP about 1874 in Lehigh County, PA.  Ellen was born June 1853 in Pennsylvania.  The 1900 census indicates that they had three children but only one son who survived.

a.  Victor Lewis Bartholomew was born 18 August 1879 in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, PA.

3.  Eliza Jane Bartholomew also known as “Jane” was born September 1855 in Lehigh County, PA.  Eliza married Robert DERR about 1881 in Lehigh County, PA.  Robert was born March 1842 in Pennsylvania and died between 1900 and 1910.   The 1900 census indicates that they had three children of which two survived.  We only have information on one child at this time.

a.  Florence J. Derr was born July 1892 in Lehigh County, PA.

4. Ellamanda Bartholomew was born about 1859 in Allen Township, Northampton County, PA and died September 1860 in Allen Township, Northampton County, PA.   She was listed in the 1860 census as 1 year of age.

 

ABRAHAM KNAPPENBERGER (1823-1884)

Abraham was born 16 August 1823 in Northampton County, PA and died 24 November 1884 in  Adams Township, Seneca County, Ohio.  The Civil War Pension Index indicates that Abraham served during the Civil War in an Ohio Regiment – but we know nothing about what specific regiment and company he belonged to during the war.  Abraham married Matilda “Mae” [her last name may be either RITLER or MINOR] and moved his family to Ohio in 1854.  Mae was born 1821 in Pennsylvania and may have been raised in an orphan home in Philadelphia, PA.  She died 1910 in Seneca County, Ohio.  Abraham and Matilda are buried in Block Cemetery, Adams Township, Seneca County, Ohio.  Abraham and Matilda had six children.

Abraham and Matilda Knappenberger
[photo graciously provided by
Doris Knappenberg Hasselbach]

1. Mary Jane Knappenberger born about 1850 in Pennsylvania.  Mary Jane was listed in the 1860 census in Crawford County, Ohio as 10 years of age then we have no further information on her.

2.  Hiram J. Knappenberger born about 1851 in Pennsylvania. Family story tells that Hiram moved to Kansas and settled there building a sod house.  There he died and is buried in the prairie.   His wife and daughter moved on to Oregon.  It seems likely that his wife’s name was Ella [maiden name unknown} who was born about 1848 in Ohio and that their daughter was Matilda also known as “Tilla” who was born about 1871 in Kansas.  The 1875 census for Highland Township, Kansas lists Ella Knopenberger with her daughter, Tilla, age 9, born Kansas.  We therefore assume that Hiram died prior to 1875.

3. Gustavus Henry Knappenberger known as “Gus” was born 21 September 1853 in Pennsylvania and died 28 February 1920 in Green Springs, Seneca County, Ohio.  He married Anna Belle STONER, daughter of John and Emma Stoner, on 27 June 1888 in Seneca County, Ohio.  Anna was born 11 February 1865 in Center County, PA and died 28 December 1941 in Green Springs, Seneca County, Ohio.  This couple is buried in Green Springs Cemetery, Sandusky County, Ohio.  Gus and Anna had one son.

​
Gustavus Henry Knappenberg with,
wife, Anna Belle [Stoner] Knappenberg
and, son, Herbert Clinton Knappenberg
[photo graciously provided by
Doris Knappenberg Hasselbach]

a. Herbert Clinton KNAPPENBERG(ER) who was born 22 April 1888 in Seneca County, Ohio and died 24 October 1962 in Seneca County, Ohio.  Herbert married Betsy Marie CULLEN known as “Bessie” on 27 May 1908 in Erie County, Ohio.  Bessie was the daughter of Charles E. Cullen and Sarah Elizabeth Goodwin.  She was born 23 August 1890 in Vickers, Erie County, Ohio and died 3 December 1963 in Freemont, Sandusky County, Ohio.  This couple is buried in Green Springs Cemetery.  Herbert dropped the final “er” in the spelling of his last name.  Herbert and Bessie had five daughters:  Ruth Elizabeth Knappenberg (1910-1982), Violet Ann Knappenberg (1912-1995), Gladine Mary Knappenberg (1914-1996), Donna Jean Knappenberg and Doris Ann Knappenberg.


Herbert Clinton Knappenberg
Circa 1908
[photo graciously provided by
Doris Knappenberg Hasselbach]

4.  Ellen Elmira Knappenberger known as “Ella” was born 18 September 1855 in Medina, Ohio and died 29 July 1952 in Clyde, Sandusky County, Ohio.  She married James Edgar SKEELS, son of Lucius Skeels and Margaret Bell,  on 11 October 1874 in Seneca County, Ohio.  James was born 14 November 1849 in Ithaca, New York and died 21 November 1933 in Clyde, Sandusky County, Ohio.  This couple is buried in McPherson Cemetery, Clyde, Ohio.  The 1900 census and 1910 census indicates that she had given birth to 12 children of which 10 were alive at that time.  We have some information on eleven children.

a. Lottie E. Skeels was born 29 September 1875 in Seneca County, Ohio and died 22 February 1973 in Sandusky County, Ohio. She never married and lived to be 97 years of age.  She was a fur buyer for a retail store and had lived in Rochester NY as well as Detroit, Michigan.  She moved to Clyde, Ohio to take care of her mother.  She is buried in McPherson Cemetery, Sandusky County, Ohio.

b. Nellie M. Skeels was born in 1877 in Seneca County, Ohio and died August 1890.

c.  Matilda M. Skeels known as “Tillie” was born September 1880 in Seneca County, Ohio and died on 10 May 1979 in Hanock County, Ohio.  She married Clarence “Herbert” SEWELL, son of John Welsey Sewell and Ellen Snyder, about 1897.  Herbert was born 16 September 1876 in Defiance County, Ohio and died 9 July 1956 in Hancock County, Ohio.  This family lived in Wood County, Ohio.  They had 8 children:

  • Ethel P. Sewell born November 1898 in Wood County, Ohio and died 1938.
  • Harry B. Sewell born about 1902 in Wood County, Ohio.
  • Vernon Eugene Sewell born about 1904 in Wood County, Ohio and died 13 August 1939 in Wood County, Ohio.
  • Child Sewell (gender unknown) born about 1906 and died before 1910.
  • Rovell Sewell born 27 September 1908 in Wood County, Ohio and died 9 July 1973 in Hancock County, Ohio
  • Grace Sewell born about 1912 in Wood County, Ohio.
  • Earl C. Sewell was born about 1916 in Wood County, Ohio and died 2 January 1964 in Sandusky County, Ohio
  • Iris Sewell born about 1918 in Wood County, Ohio

d. Minnie R. Skeels was born 12 June 1882 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio and died 16 February 1967 in Sandusky County, Ohio.  She was the mother of Ernest Elmer Skeels who was born 17 October 1899.  Ernest later changed his last name to Knappenberger and was raised in the household of William Jeremiah Knappenberger [see below].  Minnie married Herman August EVERT, son of William Gustav Ebert and Bertha Kohn sometime between 1910 and 1917.  Herman was born 8 December 1881 in Germany and died 7 December 1967 in Sandusky County, Ohio. They are buried in McPherson Cemetery in Sandusky County, Ohio.   Herman is the brother of Otto Evert who married Minnie’s sister, Anna.

e. Anna L. Skeels was born April 1884 in Seneca County, Ohio and died 23 January 1961 in Sandusky County, Ohio.  She married Otto EVERT, son of William Gustav Evert and Betha Klohn, bout 1908.  Otto was born December 1886 in Germany and died 21 March 1960 in Sandusky County, Ohio.   They had eight children.

  • Dorothy Evert born about 1911 in Sandusky County, Ohio.
  • Howard Leroy Evert was born 1912 in Sandusky County, Ohio and died 17 May 1945 in Sandusky County, Ohio.
  • Harold J. Evert was born 1915 in Sandusky County, Ohio and died 7 January 1981.
  • Melvin L. Evert was born 27 January 1917 in Sandusky County, Ohio and died January 1984.
  • Harmon G. Evert was born about 1920 in Sandusky County, Ohio
  • Pauline L. Evert was born about 1924 in Sandusky County, Ohio
  • Dale G. Evert was born 21 December 1926 in Sandusky County, Ohio and died 11 October 1999 in Sandusky County, Ohio.
  • James L. Evert was born 5 November 1929 in Sandusky County, Ohio and died 8 August 1975 in California.

f.  Frank William Skeels was born 5 July 1886 in North Baltimore, Wood County, Ohio and died 28 November 1968 in Kilgore, Gregg County, Texas.   He worked in the oil fields.  Frank married Grace M. DENISON, daughter of William Dunlap Denison and Sallie Sappington Ryan, on 12 June 1911 in Lawrence County, Illinois.  Grace was born 6 July 1882 in Lawrence County, Illinois and died 24 April 1963 in Gregg County, Texas. They had four daughters.

  • Edith Grace Skeels was born 20 May 1914 in Lawrence County, Illinois and died August 1985 in Texas.  She married Alexander Brown OLIVER and had a son.
  • Lois Skeels born about 1916 in Lawrence County, Illinois and died about 1955.  She married Everett Wallace BROWN, Sr., son of Everette Price Brown and Ethel Cass Brooks, in 1933.  Everett was born 29 April 1912 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and died 4 June 1987 in Ventura County, California.  Lois and Everett had 3 children: Sally Lou Brown (11 September 1934 in Texas – 2 March 2005 in California), Susan Brown and Everett Wallace Brown, Jr. (24 April 1943 in California – 1 November 2002 in Arizona).
  • Frances Mae Skeels born about 1919 in Illinois.  She married Allen Donald GILL.  They had a daughter.
  • Margaret Skeels born about 1922 in Texas.


Wedding Sampler made for Lois Skeels
and Everett Wallace Brown in 1933

g.  Myrtle Skeels known as “Mertie” was born September 1888 in Ohio and died sometime after 1952.  She was married the first time to Unknown about 1907.  She married Everett WILSON, son of William W. Wilson and Cynthia A. Spencer sometime between 1925-1930.  Everett was born 16 January 1872 in Washington County, Kansas and died 12 December 1931 in Chase County, Kansas.

h.  Ruth Skeels was born 30 August 1891 in Ohio and died 9 August 1982 in Flint, Genesee County, Michigan.  She married George Joseph SPAULDING, son of George and Mary  Spaulding.   George was born 12 February 1893 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.  It seems that this couple had no children..

i. James F. Skeels was born September 1893 in Wood County, Ohio and died prior to 1952.  He married Miriam HARRIS, daughter of William Harris and Mary Ann Morgan, on 22 December 1921 in Saginaw County, Michigan.  Miriam was  born 1 July 1894 in Pennsylvania (parents were born in Wales) and died September 1967 in Saginaw County, Michigan.  By the 1930 census in Saginaw Michigan, they had two daughters:  Mary E. Skeels born about 1923 and Dorothy J. Skeels born about 1925.

j.  Gladys Skeels was born May 1895 in Ohio and died sometime after 1952.  Gladys married Albert B. THOMAS about 1916.  Albert was born 20 December 1893 in Michigan.  They had 2 sons:   Leroy A. Thomas born about 1917 and Dale G. Thomas born about 1925 in Genesee County, Michigan.

k.  Hazel Skeels was born May 1898 in Ohio and died before 1952.  She was single and 32 years of age in the 1930 census for Detroit, Michigan when she lived with her married sister, Ruth (Skeels) Spaulding as well as her older single sister, Lottie Skeels.  By 1933 she had married Richmond PRICE.

5. William Jeremiah Knappenberger born 22 December 1857 in Cleveland, Ohio and died 11 November 1945 in Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio.  He married Martha “Kate” HERSHEY, daughter of Isaac C. Hershey and Anna Elisabeth Dillahunt, on 30 December 1886 in Seneca County, Ohio.  Kate was born 27 July 1866 in Seneca County, Ohio and died 11 June 1950 in Seneca County, Ohio.  William and Kate are buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Tifflin, Seneca County, Ohio.  This couple had no children but raised Ernest Elmer Skeels, who later became Ernest Elmer Knappenberger.

a.  Ernest Elmer Knappenberger was born 17 October 1899 and died 27 December 1972 in Bryan, Williams County, Ohio. He is buried in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan, Williams County, Ohio.  Ernest’s mother was Minnie Skeels [see above] and his father was William Jeremiah Knappenberger.  In the 1910 census, Ernest Elmer Skeels is listed as a nephew in the William Jeremiah Knappenberger household.  Ernest married twice.  Ernest’s first marriage was to Letha DEAN, daughter of Francis Samuel Dean and Mary Elizabeth Cotterman, in 1920.  Letha was born 24 March 1901 in Defiance County, Ohio, and died 19 December 1972 in Phoenix, Arizona.  This marriage ended in divorce.  Ernest and Letha had three children: Mary Katherine Knappenberger (7 July 1921-22 February 2009), Eileen Mae Knappenberger (17 March 1925-2 December 1994) and Dean Francis Knappenberger (11 November 1934-6 April 2006) who served with the US Navy from 1954-1958.  Ernest’s second wife was Mary F. WALTERS (or LIVINGSTON), daughter of Harley Walters and Rose Bueda.  Mary was born 19 February 1913 in Williams County and died 7 January 1994 in Williams County, Ohio.  Mary was adopted.  Ernest and Mary had two daughters:  Anna Mae Knappenberger (24 August 1945-65 May 1999) and Lee Ann Knappenberger.


Ernest Skeels Knappenberger

6. Amanda Elizabeth Knappenberger born 26 July 1860 in Lykens Township, Crawford County, Ohio.  She first married Charles B. SKEELS on 4 July 1880 in Seneca County, Ohio.  Charles Skeels was a brother of James Edgar Skeels who married Amanda’s sister, Ella.  Charles was the son of Lucius Skeels and Margaret Bell.  He was born 1851 in Ohio and died 1889 in Seneca County, Ohio.  Amanda and Charles had one son.  Amanda then married Lewis HAWK, son of Lewis Hawk and Eva Ferber, on 29 December 1890 in Seneca County, Ohio.  Lewis was born 27 December 1833 in Pennsylvania and died 19 December 1909 in Republic, Seneca County, Ohio.  Amanda and Lewis are buried in Farewell Retreat Cemetery in Republic, Ohio.  Amanda and Lewis also had one son.

a. Lloyd Skeels was the son of Amanda Elizabeth Knappenberger and Charles B. Skeels.  He was born in 1888 and died in 1889.

b. Franklin Purchis Hawk was the son of Amanda Elizabeth Knappenberger and Lewis Hawk.  He was born 2 June 1894 in Seneca County, Ohio and died January 1979 in Republic, Ohio.  Franklin married Glaydes F. BENHAM about 1921.  Gladyes was born 23 February 1900 in Ohio and died February 1983 in Seneca County, Ohio.  They had one son:  Lewis Daniel Hawk, Sr. born 7 January 1923 in Seneca  County, Ohio and died 18 May 2007 in Ohio.

 

ANNA MARIA KNAPPENBERGER (1826-?)

Anna Maria known as “Mary” or “Polly” was born 30 April 1826 in Northampton County, PA and died sometime between 1888 and 1900.  She married William SMOCK who was born about 1827 in Pennsylvania and died September 1870 in East Allen Township, Northampton County, PA.  The 1860 and 1870 censuses have this family living in Northampton County, PA.  In the 1880 census, Polly Smock is 60 years of age and a widow.  This couple had 8 children.

1.  Henry Smock was born about 1849 in Northampton County, PA.  He married Cornelia Ellen [maiden name possibly Lawald] who was born March 1848 in Pennsylvania and died after 1920.  The 1880 census indicates that this couple had 4 children at that time:  Alice M. Smock (born March 1872) who married Robert MENGEL (born January 1872); William H. Smock (born about 1874) who seemingly never married; Clara M. Smock (born about 1876); and Charles M. Smock (born 5 April 1878) who seemingly never married.

2.  Cyrus Smock was born about 1852 in Northampton County, PA.  In the 1880 census for East Allen Township, Northampton County, PA, Cyrus was 27 years of age and single.

3.  Charles Smock was born about 1853 in Northampton County, PA.

4. Alexander Smock was born about 1855 in Northampton County, PA.

5.  Emma Smock was born about 1859 in Northampton County, PA.

6.  Ida Smock was born about 1861 in Northampton County, PA.

7.  Elmira Smock was born about 1863 in Northampton County, PA.

8.  Jane Smock known as “Jennie” was born about 1866 in Northampton County, PA.

 

LISETTA / LUSETTA KNAPPENBERGER (1827-?)

Lisetta/Lusetta Knappenberger was born 17 December 1827 in Northampton County, PA.

 

CHARLES “CARL” KNAPPENBERGER (c1829-?)

Charles known as “Carl” was born about 1829 in Northampton County, PA.  He died sometime after 1888 when his brother, John, died.  Carl married Rachel [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1840 in Pennsylvania.  In the 1870 census for East Allen Township, Northampton County, PA, Charles is listed as a farmer and 40 years old and his wife was listed as 30 years of age with two children.

1.  Sarah C. Knappenberger was born about 1864 in Northampton County, PA.  In the 1870 census, she was 5 years of age.

2.  Samuel M. Knappenberger was born about 1869 in Northampton County, PA.  In the 1870 census, he was listed as 1 year old.

3.  Ellen May Knappenberger was born 15 August 1872 in Northampton County, PA and died 22 December 1872 in Northampton County, PA.

Nothing further is known of this family at this time.  We would like to learn more.  Please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net

 

ANNA ELISABETH KNAPPENBERGER (1833-?).

Anna Elisabeth known as “Eliza”  was born about 1833 and died sometime after 1900 in Lehigh County, PA.  Eliza married Henry KRATZER who was born about 1833 in Pennsylvania and died sometime between the 1880 and 1900 census.  The 1900 census indicates that Eliza Kratzer was a widow and had given birth to 10 children of which 7 were alive in 1900.  This couple lived in Lehigh County, PA.

1.  Sarah Kratzer was born March 1855 (according to the 1900 census) in Lehigh County, PA and married Henry W. BRAY about 1873.  Henry (AKA Harry) was born December 1852 in England.  He arrived in this country in 1868 and became a citizen in 1894.  According to the 1900 census, Sarah had given birth to 5 children of which 2 were alive in 1900.  Eliza Kratzer, Sarah’s widowed mother, was also living with them in 1900.

a.  William Henry Bray was born August 1873 in Lehigh County, PA and died sometime after 1930.  He remained single and worked as a weaver in a silk mill.

b.  James Bray was born about 1875 in Lehigh County, PA and died before 1900.

c.  Anne Bray was born about 1876 in Lehigh County, PA and died before 1900.

d.  Charles Bray was born about 1878 in Lehigh County, PA and died before 1900.

e.  Ruby A. Bray was born 4 August 1892 in Lehigh County and died June 1981.  She married Peter Henry KLEPPINGER about 1915.  Peter was born 8 May 1890 in Northampton County, PA and died November 1981.  They had three children as of the 1930 census:  Donald H. Kleppinger (23 September 1920-16 November 1997), Dorothy Kleppinger, and Burton Kleppinger.

2.  Thomas Kratzer was born about 1856 in Lehigh County, PA.

3.  Alfred Kratzer was born in 1859 in Lehigh County, PA.

4.  Edward Kratzer was born about 1865 in Lehigh County, PA.

5.  John Kratzer was born December 1866 in Lehigh County, PA.  He married Lizzie Ann [maiden name unknown] about 1892.  Lizzie Ann was born June 1870 in Pennsylvania.  The 1900 census indicates that she had given birth to 2 children but only 1 survived as of 1900.   Their daughter, Bessie E. Kratzer (born November 1892 in Lehigh County, PA), was living with them in the 1900 census.

6.  Henry Kratzer was born about 1869 in Lehigh County, PA.

7.  Frank Kratzer was born about 1870 in Lehigh County, PA.

8.  William Kratzer was born about 1872 in Lehigh County, PA.

9.  Victor Kratzer was born about 1876 in Lehigh County, PA.

Further information on this Kratzer Family would be most welcome.   Please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.   Thank you!

 

RABENE (REBECCA) KNAPPENBERGER (c1836-?)

Rabene was born about 1836 (based on the 1850 census).  Any information on this family would be greatly appreciated.  Please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.

 

SPECIAL THANKS

Phyllis Kocher Reimer for her support in the research on the Peter A. Kocher family.

Beth Knappenberger Rachas of Arizona for her research and interest in the Knappenberger family.

Stacey Gambler of Kutztown, PA for her invaluable assistance on the Peter Knappenberger/Emma Bennicoff family.

Terry McGuire for his assistance with the John Knoppenberger family.
Matthew Conrad for his family photos and genealogy records.