THOMAS HENRY KNAPPENBERGER
FAMILY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Johan Michael
(1709-1751)
V
Johan Henrich
(1744-1818)
V
Johan Philip
(1776-1851)
V
Philip Jr.
(1800-1884)
V
Thomas Henry
(1833-1909)
V
Percival Jeremiah (1856-1916) > 3 Children
Eliza Jane (1859-1931) > 3 Children
Thomas Henry, Jr. (1861-1947) > 8 Children
Amelia Louisa (1864-1928) > 2 Children
Witt Clinton (1866-1866)
Ida Andora (1868-1939) > 2 Children
Victor Theodore (1870-1870)
Franklin H. (1871-1871)
William Harrison (1872-1931) > 10 Children
Harvey Edgar (1874-1924) > 7 Children
Edward (1875-1875)
Richard Walter (1878-1967) > 5 Children
Mary Alice (1879-1955) > 6 Children
GENERAL INFORMATION
Thomas Henry Knappenberger was born 4 September 1833 in Lehigh County, PA and died 31 March 1909 in Lehigh County, PA. He was a builder and contractor for 55 years. He married Leanda HAUSER, daughter of Michael Hauser, Jr. (1789-1863) and Elizabeth GEORGE (1795), in October 1855 in Lehigh County, PA. Elizabeth GEORGE was the daughter of Philip George. Leanda was born 27 November 1834 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 2 September 1905 in Lehigh County, PA. This couple and many of their children are buried in Cedar Union Church Cemetery in Cetronia, Lehigh County, PA. Thomas Henry assisted in the building of this church where he was an elder. Thomas Henry and Leanda had thirteen children.
Gravestone of Thomas Henry Knappenberger with
wife, Leanda [Hauser] Knappenberger,
and sons, Franklin H. Knappenberger
and Edward Knappenberger,
Cedar Lutheran Church, Broadway, Allentown, PA
[photo graciously provided by Karen Hunger Cox]
CHILDREN
PERCIVAL JEREMIAH KNAPPENBERGER (1856-1916)
Percival Jeremiah was born 27 August 1856 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 18 June 1916 in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA. Percival married Mary Ida DELONG, daughter of Benjamin DeLong and Carolyn E. Wetzel, on 24 December 1881. Mary Ida was born 23 November 1862 in Lehigh County, PA and died 21 May 1937 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. This couple had three children They are buried in Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church Cemetery.
1. Infant Knappenberger born 1883 in Lehigh County, PA and died at birth. This baby was buried at Jerusalem Church Cemetery in Lehigh County, PA.
2. Howard Thomas Knappenberger was born 21 June 1884 in Lehigh County, PA and died 17 August 1930 due to injuries suffered in a freight elevator accident. He married Minnie Matilda SHOEMAKER, daughter of Edgar C. Shoemaker and Tillara M. Dorney. Minnie was born 14 January 1888 in Lehigh County, PA and died 16 May 1953 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church Cemetery. They had 2 children.
a. Ethel Leona Knappenberger known as “Leona” was born 12 March 1911 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died 16 February 1993 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She married Rudolph Frank FLEMISH, Jr. on 8 October 1932. Rudolph was born 2 December 1909 in Allentown, PA and died 30 January 1979 in Allentown, PA. They had one daughter.
b. Alton Woodrow Wilson Knappenberger known as “Woody” was born 9 January 1915 in Allentown, PA and died in Trexlertown, PA on 6 April 1993. He married Mae A. FISHER, daughter of Frederick P. Fisher and Ruth Lamon, January 1941 in Miami Beach, FL. Mae was born 27 June 1918 in Allentown, PA and died in Lehigh County on 14 May 1990. Woody enlisted in the military service on 18 September 1943 in New York. They had two children.
3. Edward Benjamin Knappenberger was born 23 May 1886 in Lehigh County, PA and died November 1973 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He married Bessie A.L. SCHMOYER about 1909. Bessie born 12 February 1890 and died June 1973 in Allentown, PA. This couple had 2 children.
a. Benjamin David Knappenberger known as “David” was born 13 December 1910 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 February 1992 in Broomall, Delaware County, PA. He married Mary Sarah QUINN, daughter of Michael and Annie Quinn, on 26 October 1938 in Philadelphia, PA. Mary was born 7 June 1912 in Philadelphia, PA and died 3 April 1998. They are buried in Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church Cemetery in Delaware County, PA. They had two children: Edward Francis Knappenberger, Sr. who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and Ann Elizabeth Knappenberger.
b. Lucille Mary Knappenberger was born 13 August 1914 in Lehigh County, PA and died 30 August 2010 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Henry William DORNEY, son of William H. and Sally S. Dorney. He was born 3 February 1915 in Lehigh County, PA and died November1967 in Lehigh County, PA. They had three children: Barry J. Dorney, Marcia K. Dorney and Phillip K. Dorney (1951-1998).
Lucille Mary Knappenberger,
Allentown High School,
Senior Class Photo, 1930
[photo graciously provided by Phyllis Reimer]
ELIZA JANE KNAPPENBERGER (1859-1931)
Eliza Jane was born 7 February 1859 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 16 June1931 in Lehigh County, PA.. Eliza Jane married Rev. David Gerhart.GERBERICH, son of George Shuey Gerberich and Sarah Ann Gerhart, on 20 September 1887 in Allentown, PA. David was born 1 March 1863 in Lebanon County, PA and died 29 January 1924 in Philadelphia, PA. They are buried in Cedar Union Church in Cetronia, PA. This couple had three daughters.
1. Mabel Anna Gerberich was born 10 June 1889 in Lehigh County, PA and died 5 May 1989 in Berks County, PA. She was a math teacher for 42 years and lived to be almost 100 years old. She married Jonathan Moyer RENTSCHLER, son of Jonathan N. Rentschler and Isabella R. Moyer, sometime after 1930 census. He was born 10 July 1888 in Berks County, PA and died 1944 in Volusia County, Florida. They are buried in St. Michaels Cemetery, Berks County, PA.
2. Helen Amelia Gerberich was born 25 November 1892 in Carbon County,PA and died 10 September 1960 in Butler County, PA. She married Charles Washinton BELL who was born 4 February 1889 in Butler County, PA and died February 1975 in Butler County, PA. They are buried in Concord Cemetery, Butler County, PA. They had 3 sons: Charles David (15 November 1915-1 August 1924), John Raymond Bell (1918-1976), and Paul Edward Bell (born1920).
3. Hester Lillian Gerberich was born 27 December 1897 in Carbon County, PA and died 6 March 1921 She is buried in Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA.
THOMAS HENRY KNAPPENBERGER, JR. (1861-1947)
Thomas Henry, Jr. was born 20 September 1861 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 20 December 1947 in Lehigh County, PA. Thomas Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and was a contractor and carpenter for 40 years employing 10 to 30 people. Thomas married three times
First, Thomas married Emma Sarah LARASH, daughter of James William Larash and Fyetta Roeder, on 3 July 1886. Emma was born 25 May 1867 and died 25 May 1892 in Lehigh County, PA. Thomas and Emma had two children: Alavesta and Esther.
Second, Thomas married Mary Esther BUSS, daughter of Edwin Buss and Rebecca Lynn Buss, on 5 April 1894. Mary Esther was born 5 April 1866 in Lehigh County, PA and died 19 April 1904. Thomas and Mary had six children of which five died young
Third, Thomas married Laura R. WAMBOLD, daughter of Thomas Wambold and Mary Seebold, on 17 October 1907. Laura was born 1 November 1871 in Northampton County, PA and died 27 October 1954. Thomas and Laura had no children. Thomas and his three wives are buried in Morgenland Cemetery next to the Jerusalem Church, Allentown, Lehigh County, PA along with five children who died young.
Thomas Henry Knappenberger, Jr.
with his daughters and grandchildren
(Florence Knappenberger Googins is
the woman standing in front of the tree.)
Circa 1934-1936
[photo graciously provided
by Diane Googins Welton]
Mary Esther [Buss] Knappenberger, second wife
of Thomas Henry Knappenberger, Jr. (far right)
[photo graciously provided
by Diane Googins Welton]
Laura [Wombold] Knappenberger and
Thomas Henry Knappenberger, Jr.
Late 1920s / Early 1930s
[photo graciously provided
by Diane Googins Welton]
Thomas Henry Knappenberger, Jr.
and his three wives’ gravemarker,
Jerusalem East Cemetery,
Allentown, Pennsylvania
[photo graciously provided by Jim Herster]
1. Alavesta F. Knappenberger known as “Alice” was the child of Thomas and Emma Larash. She was born February 1889 in Lehigh County, PA and died sometime after 1942. She married Harry James REISS, son of Edmond and Emma Reiss, on 27 February 1908. Harry was born 11 November 1889 in Lehigh County, PA and died 19 July 1932 in Allentown, PA. Alavesta and Harry had two children. This marriage ended in divorce. Alavesta married William Steyer GEISINGER, son of William S. Geisinger and Rosa Steyer, on 18 March 1929. William was born 1 August 1892 in Lehigh County, PA and died 17 August 1958 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. At the time of his death, he was divorced.
a. Margaret E. Reiss known as “Peg” who was born 9 October 1909 in Lehigh County, PA and died 31 January 1996 in Carbon County, PA. Margaret married Russell E.A. SANTEE on 29 November 1933. Russell was born 16 January 1908 and died December 1981 in Lehigh County, PA. It seems that this marriage ended in divorce. Margaret then married Clarence HARTLINE who was born 6 December 1905 and died May 1966.
b. Harold E. Reiss was born 20 December 1911 in Lehigh County, PA and died 23 October 2001 in Rhode Island. He married Dorothy L. WALTERS, daughter of Charles Walters and Mary Schoenley, on 31 December 1931. Dorothy was born 3 March 1907 in Bucks County, PA and died 13 April 1973 in Montgomery County, PA.
2. Esther Ellenora Knappenberger was the child of Thomas and Emma Larash. She was born 25 February 1891 in Lehigh County, PA and died November 1978 in Allentown, PA. Esther married Joseph E. MOYER, son of Cornelius and Alice Moyer, on 29 July 1911 in Lehigh County, PA. Joseph was born 29 April 1890 in Berks County, PA and died June 1973 in Lehigh County, PA. They had 2 daughters:
a. Esther L. Moyer was born 27 November 1911 in Lehigh County, PA and died 13 April 1999 in Montgomery County, PA.
b. Helen E. Moyer was born 26 September 1913 in Lehigh County, PA and died August 1978 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. She married William J. SHERMAN who was born about 1909 in Pennsylvania.
3. Amy L. Knappenberger was the child of Thomas and Mary Esther. She was born 2 July 1895 in Lehigh County, PA and died 10 May 1897 in Lehigh County, PA. She is buried in Morgenland Cemetery.
4. Franklin O. Knappenberger was the child of Thomas and Mary Esther. He was born 29 December 1896 in Lehigh County, PA and died 29 December 1896 in Lehigh County, PA. He is buried in Morgenland Cemetery.
5. Florence Rebecca Knappenberger was the child of Thomas and Mary Esther. She was born 14 March 1898 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 October 1952 in Luzerne County, PA. She married Irving Franklin GOOGINS, Sr., son of Charles Googins and Ella Barton, on 18 June 1924. Irving was born 10 August 1887 in New York City and died 15 September 1960 in Alameda County, California. They had 2 sons.
a. Irving Franklin Googins, Jr. was born 29 April 1926 in Lehigh County, PA and died 23 December 1984 in Alameda County, California. He first married Carolyn [maiden name unknown] and had a son, Irving Franklin Googins III. He later married a Ms. MENDONCA and had two children. He married a third time to Florence FORSYTHE in 1966 but divorced in 1968.
b. Thomas Charles Googins was born 14 May 1927 in Lehigh County, PA and died 6 October 1998 in Jefferson County,Colorado. He married Evelyn R. TREUSCH, daughter of Joseph and Sophie Treusch, in June 1949. Evelyn was born 6 May 1928 and died 4 April 2000 in Adams County, Colorado. They had five children. This marriage ended in divorce. He later married Miyuki “Mabel” YOSHIMURA in November 1962. Mabel was born 14 December 1942. They had two children.
6. Thomas E. Knappenberger, son of Thomas and Mary Esther, was born 24 April 1901 and died 12 May 1901 in Lehigh County, PA. He is buried in Morgenland Cemetery.
7. Mary C. Knappenberger was the child of Thomas and Mary Esther. She was born 24 April 1903 in Lehigh County, PA and died 16 May 1904 in Lehigh County, PA. She is buried in Morgenland Cemetery.
8. Henry T. Knappenberger was the child of Thomas and Mary Esther. He was born 24 April 1903 in Lehigh County, PA and died 13 February 1904 in Lehigh County, PA. He was a twin of Mary C. He is buried in Morgenland Cemetery. His mother died two months after his death.
AMELIA LOUISA KNAPPENBERGER (1864-1928)
Amelia Louisa was born 4 April 1864 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 30 April1928 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Thomas David SCHOLL, son of David W. Scholl and Matilda Geisinger, on 3 December 1893 in Lehigh County, PA. Thomas was born 2 August 1865 in Allentown, PA and died 15 June19458 in Lehigh County, PA. This couple is buried in Morgenland Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA. The 1910 census lists two daughters from this marriage.
Amelia Louisa [Knappenberger]
Scholl’s Family Bible
Amelia Louisa Knappenberger on her
wedding day to Thomas David Scholl
3 December 1893
Amelia Louisa [Knappenberger] Scholl
and Thomas David Scholl, Circa 1924
[photos graciously provided by Karen Hunger Cox]
1. Blanche Matilda Scholl was born 19 October 1896 in Lehigh County, PA and died June 1976 in PA. She married Calvin Titus REISS, son of Martin W. and Ellen C. Reiss. Calvin was born 15 June 1896 in Hellertown, PA and died June 1974 in PA. They are buried in Morgenland Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA. They had four children.
a. Dorothy M. Reiss was born 19 June 1921 in Northampton County, PA and died 28 June 2003 in Northampton County, PA. She married Stanley E. FRIES, son of William Friesand Verna Fegley, about 1942. Stanley was born 23 November 1919 in Lehigh County, PA and died 29 April 2005 in Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in Morgenland Cemetery.
b. Calvin C. Reis was born 1 June 1923 in Lehigh County, PA and died 1 January 2014.
c. Martha E. Reis was born about 1925 in Lehigh County, PA.
d. Wilbur Roy Reis was born 16 October 1926 in Lehigh County, PA and died 1 December 2013 in Lehigh County, PA. He is buried in Grandview Cemetery in Allentown, PA. He married Edwina BROBST on 18 January 1946.
2. Eva Amelia Scholl born 24 May 1902 in Lehigh County, PA and died 25 June 1992 in San Bernardino, California. Eva first married Robert John CLEWELL,Sr., son of John Clewell and Margaret Morgan, about 1919. Robert Sr. was born 29 December 1889 in Penobscot, PA. They had a son: Robert John Clewell, Jr. This marriage ended in divorce. Eva later married Warren Frank HUNGER in 1940. Warren was born 8 August 1912 in Lehigh County, PA and died 24 February 2007 in San Bernardino County, California. They had a daughter: Karen S. Hunger. Eva and Warren are buried in Montecito Memorial Park, San Bernardino County, California.
a. Robert John Clewell, Jr. was born 28 December 1920 and died 4 June 1991. He was married four times: to a Ms. FLANDERS, to his second spouse in 1955 in California, to June E. DILKS on 23 July 1957 in Nevada, and to Ruth M. KRESGE.
b. Karen S. Hunge who married Jack COX.
WITT CLINTON KNAPPENBERGER (1866-1866)
Witt Clinton was born 7 February 1866 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 28 May 1866 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA at the age of 3½ months. He was buried at the Cedar Union Church Cemetery in Cetronia, Lehigh County, PA.
IDA ANDORA KNAPPENBERGER (1868-1939)
Ida Andora was born 7 February 1868 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 26 January1939 in Lehigh County, Pa.. She married Eusyllas S. LARASH, son of James Willliam Larash and Fyetta Roeder, on 22 February 1890 in Lehigh County, PA. Eusyllas was born 19 September 1869 in Lehigh County, PA and died 25 October 1946 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He was the brother of Emma Larash who married Thomas Henry Knappenberger, Jr. Eusyllas ran a successful butchering business. This couple along with their two sons and wives are buried in the cemetery, Morgenland Cemetery, associated with Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. This couple had two sons.
1. Raymond J.T. Larash was born 7 September 1890 in Lehigh County, PA and died 15 April 1970 in Lehigh County, PA. Raymond married Sallie J. HENDRICKS on 14 August 1920. Sallie was born 22 August 1894 in Bucks County, PA and died 18 December 1978 in Allentown, PA. They had two sons.
a. Harold Josiah Larash was born 5 February 1921 in Lehigh County, PA and died 9 June 2003 in Maryland. He is buried in Meadowridge Memorial Park He married Irma [maiden name unknown].
b. Paul E. Laras was born 1929.
2. Willis R. Larash was born 11 February 1894 in Lehigh County, PA and died 15 February 1972 in Allentown, PA. Willis married Perma E. WEAVER on 14 October 1916. Perma was born 5 February 1895 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 April 1984 in Allentown, PA. They are buried in Morgenland Cemetery. They had one son.
a. James D. Larash was born 7 October 1919 in Lehigh County, PA and died 11 March 2008 in Lehigh County, PA. He is buried at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown, PA He married Ellen L. DONAT in June 1945.
VICTOR THEODORE KNAPPENBERGER (1870-1870)
Victor Theodore was born 7 January 1870 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 6 November 1870 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA at the age of 10 months. He was buried at Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Cetronia, Lehigh County, PA.
FRANKLIN H. KNAPPENBERGER (1871-1871)
Franklin H. was born 18 June 1871 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 13 September 1871 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA at the age of 3 months. He is also buried at Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Cetronia, Lehigh County, PA.
WILLIAM HARRISON KNAPPENBERGER (1872-1931)
William Harrison was born 26 October 1872 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 6 June 1931 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He first married Emma Jane ECK, daughter of David Eck and Lovina Kline, on 28 December 1895 in Carbon County, PA. Emma Jane was born 11 December 1873 in Lehigh County, PA and died 9 October 1913 in Lanark, Lehigh County, PA. William and Emma are buries in St. Marks Cemetery, Allentown, Lehigh County, PA They are buried in St. Marks Cemetery, Allentown, Lehigh County, PA.. They had 8 children that survived childhood and two infants who died young.
William Harrison married a second time [after Emma Jane died] to Mary C. RINKER on 16 August 1919. Mary was born 1865 in Lehigh County, PA. to Josiah Rinker and Hettie Schaeffer, and had been married previously to a Mr. Hilbert. Mary died1920-1922 approximately.. They had no children. In the 1920 census for Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County, PA, William is listed as 47 years of age, Mary is age 54, and 5 children from his first marriage are living with them: Minnie, William, Elsie, Arthur and Mary.
The 1930 census lists William H. Knappenberger as 57 years and married for a third time to wife, Violet G., age 24. They had been married seven years and had two daughters, Pearl V. (age 5) and Madelyn M. (age 3). Violet G. CRESSMAN was the daughter of Charles Cressman and Lillian Dickert. Violet was born 24 October 1906 in Shelly, Bucks County, PA and died 16 July 1989 in Lehigh County, PA. After William died in 1931, Violet later married her stepson, William J.B. Knappenberger [see below] and had two more children.
1. Blanche L. Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Emma Jane Eck. She was born 12 June 1898 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died 15 December 1989 in Columbia County, PA. Blanche lived to be 91 years of age and never married. She is buried in St. Mark’s UCC Church Cemetery, Allentown, PA.
2. Ida E.L. Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Emma Jane Eck. She was born 12 January 1900 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 May 1980 in Allentown, PA. She was living in her aunt’s house in South Allentown, PA in the 1920 census and was working as a silk weaver. Ida married William Stanford RITTER on 4 November 1922 in Lehigh County, PA. William was born 20 April 1903 and died August 1973 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. They had 3 children.
a. William J. Ritter was born 2 June 1923 in Lehigh County, PA and died 2 July 2006 in Lehigh County, PA. William first married Elizabeth H. KORTVELY who was born 24 November 1923 and died March 1983. William later married Althea R. KRAUSE in 1984. Althea was born 8 December 1922 to Clarence and Estella Krause.
b. John Stanford Ritter known as “Jack” was born 21 October 1927in Lehigh County PA and died 8 May 2008 in Cranford, New Jersey.
c. Mae June Ritter was born 7 April 1932 in Lehigh County, PA and died 8 July 2013 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Donald L. BIBIGHAUS, son of Samuel L. and Barbara Bibighaus, in 1953. Donald was born 17 October1927 in Lehigh County, PA and died 27 November 2009 in Lehigh County, PA.
3. Minnie Minerva Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Emma Jane Eck. She was born 14 June 1901 in Lehigh County, PA and died 5 November 1965 in Allentown. She married George Washington MILLER, son of Charles William Miller and Sarah Lydia Litzenberger, about 1921. George was born 22 February 1902 in Lehigh County, PA and died 13 July 1935 in Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in Cetronia Cedar Lutheran Church Cemetery. Minnie and George had 5 children.
a. Vincent Edward Miller, Sr. was born 25 September 1921 in Lehigh County, PA and died 22 January 2007 in Allentown, PA. He married Miriam Lucille LAUB, daughter of Ralph Stanley Laub and Eva Matilda Walbert, on 29 March 1942. Miriam was born 9 January 1924 and died 20 June 2002 in Lehigh County, PA.
b. Donald George Miller was born 11 November 1922 in Lehigh County, PA and died 27 November 1995 in Dauphin County, PA. He married Mae A. FALK.
c. Emma Mae Miller was born 1925. She married Daniel E. BORTZ, Jr. who was born 1 December 1921 and died 26 July 2001 in Lehigh County, PA.
d. Elsie Evelyn Miller was born 3 March 1926 in Lehigh County, PA and died 17 December 1997 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Charles NACE.
e. Jean Ethel Miller born 14 March 1929 and died October 1985. She first married a Mr. MILLS and this marriage ended in divorce. She than married Edard J. ISPARIS.
4. Anna C. Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Emma Jane Eck. She was born 24 November 1902 in Lehigh County, PA. In the 1920 census, she and her sister, Ida, were living with their aunt, Flossie Kohl, in South Allentown, Lehigh County, PA where they worked as silk weavers. Sometime after 1920, she married Edwin Henry SISSUNG, son of Michael Sissung and Magdalena Balliet, who was born 2 November 1904 in PA and died 18 August 1956 in Santa Clara County, California. At some point in time, this couple moved to California. Anna Sissung died 10 February 2005 in Santa Clara County, CA at the age of 102 We know of no children..
5. William J.B. Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Emma Jane Eck. He was born 1 October 1904 in Lehigh County, PA and died July 1966 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA. He married Violet G. CRESSMAN, daughter of Charles Cressman and Lillian Dickert. Violet was born 24 October 1906 in Bucks County, PA and died 16 July 1989 in Lehigh County, PA. Violet was the widow and third wife of William’s father [see above]. Therefore, William J.B. Knappenberger married his step-mother. They had 2 children.
a. William F. Knappenberger was born 4 June 1934 in Lehigh County, PA and died there on 8 November 2010. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He married Janet J. SAYLOR in 1957. They had two sons and a daughter.
b. Roger H. Knappenberger. Roger married Anita Edie JOHNSON and had two sons and a daughter. This marriage ended in divorce.
6. Elsie L. Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Emma Jane Eck. She was born 17 October 1905 in Lehigh County, PA and died 4 November 1992 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Clarence E. DIEHL, son of Harvey Diehl and Mary Serfass, on November 1924. Clarence was born 17 November 1904 in Lehigh County, PA and died 6 January 1992 in Allentown, PA. They had 3 children.
a. Ann D. Diehl was born 7 April 1926 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 November 1994 in Richmond, Chesterfield County, Virginia. She married Oscar J. HONEYCUTT.
b. Clarence Harvey Diehl was born about 1929 in PA.
c. Ruey W. Diehl was born 1 August 1941 and died April 1975.
7. Arthur D. Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Emma Jane Eck. He was born 10 September 1907 in Lehigh County, PA and died 2 December 1945 due to an accident at a steel mill. He married Eleanor M. STOUDT, daughter of Robert E. Stoudt and Amelia A. Schreier. Eleanor was born 13 September 1914 and died 30 August 2002. This couple had a son and a daughter.
a. Arthur D. Knappenberger Jr., was born 27 December 1936 in Allentown, PA and died 5 September 2011 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Roberta A. RIMER, who was born 1 January 1936 in Lehigh County, PA and died on 13 June 2011 in Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in St. Mark’s Cemetery, Allentown, PA. Arthur Jr. served with the Army during the Korean War.
b. Shirley A. Knappenberger who married a Mr. SELL.
8. Mary Mae Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Emma Jane Eck. She was born 24 May 1910 in Lehigh County, PA and died 21 January 2011 in Lehigh County, PA at the age of 100. Mary was a sewing machine operator for K & M Manufacturing in Allentown PA for over 20 years. After retiring, she worked at The Ritz and at The Countryside Ice Cream Stand in Shimersville PA. She married John William Franklin STAUFFER, son of Chester Stauffer and Elvina Hillegass, on 27 March 1932. John was born 13 April 1909 in Limeport, Lehigh County, PA and died 7 January 1994 in Wescosville, Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in St. Mark’s Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA. They had 4 children.
Mary Mae [Knappenberger] Stauffer
on her 100th birthday, May 24, 2010
a. William Harrison Stauffer was born in 1932 and married Jeanette L. MEIHOFER.
b. A child who died at birth on 2 July 1934.
c. Anna Mae Stauffer was born in 1937 and married Willard Paul WEIGHKNECHT, Sr.
d. Sharon Marlene Stauffer was born in 1950 and married Theodore T. RICHARDS.
9. Pearl V. Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Violet Cressman. Shewas born 26 February 1927 in Lehigh County, PA.. Pearl married Edward G. RICHARDS who was born 9 November 1924 and died 2 March 2006 in Lehigh County, PA. They had 2 children: Robin Richards and Maureen Richards.
10. Madelyn M. Knappenberger was the child of William Harrison and Violet Cressman. She was born 17 March 1927 in Lehigh County, PA and died 12 July 2015. She married Kermit C. LAUB, son of Ralph S. Laub and Eva M. Walbert. Kermit was born 30 December 1926 in Lehigh County, PA and died 22 January 2011 in Lehigh County, PA. They had two children: Kermit K. Laub and Patricia Laub.
HARVEY EDGAR KNAPPENBERGER (1874-1924)
Harvey Edgar was born 3 August 1874 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 18 December 1924 in Lehigh County, PA. Harvey married Eva Esora WARMKESSEL, daughter of Alfred Warmkessel and Esora Butz, on 5 May 1906 in Lehigh County, PA. Eva was born 14 August 1885 in Lehigh County, PA and died 19 October 1944 in Lehigh County, PA. They are buried at Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA. They had seven children.
1. Norman Herbert Knappenberger was born 2 July 1907 in Philadelphia, PA and died 11 February 1981 in Allentown, PA. Norman married Pauline M. KERN, daughter of Russell William Kern and Edna Maurer, on 8 August 1936. Pauline was born 17 September 1908 in Perkasie, Bucks County, PA and died 21 December 1998 in Allentown, PA. We know of no children born to this couple. Norman and Pauline are buried in Woodland Cemetery in Coopersburg, Lehigh County, PA.
2. Anna E. Knappenberger was born 3 November 1909 in Lehigh County, PA and died 11 August 1910 in Lehigh County, PA. She is buried in Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA.
3. Leonard Alfred Knappenberger was born 19 February 1911 in Cetronia, Lehigh County, PA and died 3 January 1995 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. Leonard married Marie Edna HARTMAN, daughter of Ella, on 15 March 1930. Marie was born 2 September 1911 in Emmaus, PA and died 22 April 2010 in Maricopa County, AZ. This couple with their two sons moved to Arizona in the late 1940s. This couple had 2 sons.
a. Richard Leonard Knappenberger was born 5 August 1930 in Lehigh County, PA and died 9 July 2004 in Fort Collins, Colorado. He served during the Korean War. Richard married Donna Lee SCHUBERT on 6 September 1959. They had two daughters.
b. Thomas Arthur Knappenberger was born 1 September 1933 in Lehigh County, PA and died 13 November 2015 in Maricopa County, Arizona. He married Joan Louise MILLER, daughter of Titus and Edna Miller, on 12 November 1955 in Allentown, PA. Joan was born 14 February 1936 in Lehigh County, PA and died 14 February 2022 in Arizona. They had four children: David, Dawn, Jill and William.
4. Asher H. Knappenberger was born 24 November 1912 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 June 1913 in Lehigh County, P He was buried in Cedar Union Church Cemetery. Death records list his name as Astor(?).
5. Elinor L. Knappenberger was born 30 July 1915 in Lehigh County, PA and died 6 December 1996 in Lehigh County, PA. She is buried in Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Cetronia, Lehigh County, PA. She married Clarence F. MILLER, son of Frank Rosenberger Miller and Sallie Smith, on 12 September 1931. In the 1940 census they were living in Bucks County, PA. Clarence was born 5 June 1911 in Pennsylvania and died 22 June 1976 in Montgomery County, PA. It seems that this marriage ended in divorce. Elinor and Clarence had 3 children: Larry Miller, Donald Franklin Miller (1934-2012), and Sandra Miller. Elinor later married Robert R. ROBINSON, son of Charles and Bessie Robinson, on 24 December 1964. Robert was born 1911 in Pittsburgh, PA and died 25 November 1996 in Lehigh County,PA. He is buried in Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA.
Elinor L. Knappenberger and her son
Donald Franklin Miller on his wedding day
Donald Franklin Miller and his
wife Barbara A. [Sobjak] Miller
Donald Franklin Miller,
Barbara A. [Sobjak] Miller,
and their four children:
Denise, Dean, Diane, Darlene
[photos graciously provided by Taylor Schloffer]
6. Ethel Eliza Knappenberger was born 20 March 1917 in Lehigh County, PA and died May 1998 in Citrus County, Florida. She married William F. ROTHROCK, son of Abbott and Mary Rothrock. William was born 19 April 1917 in Bath, Northampton County, PA and died 10 February 2011 in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, PA. They are buried in Zion UCC Stone Church Cemetery, Northampton County, PA. This couple had 2 children: Mary Elaine Rothrock and Robert William Rothrock.
7. Louise M. Knappenberger was born 30 December 1924 in Lehigh County, PA and died 24 February 2001 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Carl D. HIMMELBERGER, son of Henry Franklin Himmelberger and Marguerite M. Butz, on 7 March 1943. Carl was born 6 June 1922 in Allentown, PA and died 23 June 2009 in Allentown, PA. They are buried in Woodland Cemetery, Coopersburg, Lehigh County, PA. They had 3 children: Mary L. Himmelberger, Dawn Margaruete Himmelberger, and David Carl Himmelberger.
EDWARD KNAPPENBERGER (1875-1875)
Edward was born 11 December 1875 in Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 19 December 1875 in Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA at the age of 8 days. He was buried at Cedar Union Church, Cetronia, Lehigh County, PA.
RICHARD WALTER KNAPPENBERGER (1878-1967)
Richard Walter was born 18 January 1878 in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 7 May 1967 in Lancaster County, PA. Richard was a farmer and a carpenter. Richard married Ida Alice SITTLER, daughter of Peter Sittler and Anna Warmkessel, on 9 June 1900 in Lehigh County, PA. Ida Alice was born 9 January 1880 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 October 1947 in Lancasterh County, PA. Ida was a dressmaker. Richard and Ida had five children.
1. Albert Ammon Knappenberger was born 20 December 1900 in Lehigh County, PA and died March 1901 in Lehigh County, PA.
2. Irene Louise Knappenberger was born 3 October 1902 in Lehigh County, PA and died 2 February 1975 in Lancaster County, PA. She married Arthur R. OTT, Sr., son of Charles David.Ott and Clara Minerva.Jacoby, in 1928. Arthur was born 8 July 1901 in Lehigh County, PA and died 14 August 1997 in Montgomery County, PA. They had 2 children: Nancy L. Ott and Arthur R. Ott, Jr.
3. Ray Edwin Knappenberger was born 4 May 1907 in Lehigh County, PA and died 4 January 1925 in Lehigh County, PA from a suicidal gunshot to the head.
4. Homer Peter Knappenberger, Sr. was born 11 May 1910 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 January 1997 in Bucks County, PA. Homer worked in the Philadelphia Naval Yard for over 35 years and was a Navy veteran of World War II. Homer married Evelyn Mae WEITZ, daughter of George W. Weitz and Anna B. Martin, in 1930. Evelyn was born 6 December 1910 in Bucks County, PA and died 9 February 1998 in Bucks County, PA. They are buried in Quakertown Union Cemetery, Bucks County, PA. This couple had 3 children: Marguerite L. Knappenberger, Constance M. Knappenberger, and Homer Peter Knappenberger, Jr. (16 March 1935-19 October 2020).
5. Isabel Naomi Knappenberger was born 20 December 1912 in Lehigh County, PA and died on 11 July 2006 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Gordon W. ALLEM, son of Ezzia W. and Adda E. Allem, on 29 June 1932. Gordon was born 26 August 1905 and died 13 July 1982 in Bucks County, PA. This couple had 4 children: Lois R. Allem, Gordon R. Allem, Susan A. Allem, and Lynn R. Allem.
MARY ALICE KNAPPENBERGER (1879-1955)
Mary Alice was born 25 September 1879 in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 20 July 1955 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Benjamin Franklin LITZENBERGER, son of Adam and Sarah Litzenberger, on 10 April 1900 in Lehigh County, PA. Benjamin was born 1878 in Lehigh County, PA and died 1961 in Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in Cedar Church Cemetery. This couple had six children.
1. Minerva Eva May Litzenberger was born 27 July 1902 in Lehigh County, PA and died July 1973 in Lehigh County, PA. Minerva Eva married Clarence B. BACKENSTOE on 22 November 1919 in Lehigh County, PA. Clarence was born 25 November 1900 in Lehigh County, PA and died July 1982 in Allentown, PA. This couple had 6 children: Irene Ida Backenstoe, Warren Benjamin Backenstoe, Pauline Isabelle Backenstoe, Frances Mae Backenstoe, Dorothy Belle Backenstoe, and Esther Lois Backenstoe.
2. Adam Benjamin Charles Litzenberger was born 26 November 1904 in Lehigh County, PA and died 30 November 1904 in Lehigh County, PA. He is buried in Cedar Church Cemetery.
3. Charles Adam Franklin Litzenberger was born 20 November 1905 in Lehigh County, PA and died March 1980 in Lehigh County, PA.
4. Helen Mary Litzenberger was born 13 December 1907 in Lehigh County, PA and died 22 October 1994 in Lehigh County, PA. Helen married Carl T. LICHTENWALNER on 29 January 1929. Carl was born 4 July 1906 and died 1 September 1993 in Lehigh County, PA. This couple had 3 children: Doris J. Lichtenwalner, Leon C. Lichtenwalner, and Carol Ann Lichtenwalner.
5. William Elmer Litzenberger was born 6 February 1913 in Lehigh County, PA and died 10 February 1913 in Lehigh County, PA. He is buried in Cedar Church Cemetery.
6. Arthur Benjamin Litzenberger was born 10 December 1915 in Lehigh County, PA and died 22 June 1984 in Allentown, PA. He married Dorothy J. SMITH on 28 June 1938. They had 2 children: Sylvia Ann Litzenberger and Timothy Arthur Litzenberger.
We are always happy to hear from “cousins” who can help us update and correct our family historywebsite.
Just contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.
SPECIAL THANKS
Lucille M. Dorney
Ed and Connie Knappenberger
Doris J. Marsteller
Anna Weighknecht
Jacqui Miller and Karen Hunger Cox