ABRAHAM KNAPPENBERGER
OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Johan Michael
(1709-1751)
V
Johan Henrich
(1744-1818)
V
Johan Henrich Jr
(1781-1833)
V
Thomas
(1809 -1857)
V
Abraham
(1833-1904)
V
John (1856-? >)
Catherine Jane (1857-1924) > 11 Children
William Abraham (1858-1910) > 5 Children
Mary Lillian (1861-?) > 7 Children
Thomas Franklin (1866-1939) > 3 Children
Amandus John (1868-1944) > 8 Children
Charles R. (1870-1940) > 6 Children
Sarah Amanda (1871-1920) > 5 Children
Lucy Ann (1876-1935) > 12 Children
GENERAL INFORMATION
Abraham Knappenberger, son of Thomas Knappenberger (1809-1857) and Salome “Sarah” Gruber (1814-1835), was born 30 January 1833 in Carbon County, PA and died 15 November 1904 in Palmerton, Carbon County, PA. He was christened in the Egypt Reformed Church. Abraham married Clara GREENZWEIG, daughter of David and Sarah Greenzweig, about 1855. Clara was born about 1835 in Upper Towamensing Township, Carbon County, PA. Abraham and Clara had nine children. The 1880 census lists Abraham with his wife, Clara, and children living in Lower Towamensing Township, Carbon County, PA. Abraham was working as a teamster. The 1890 census for Carbon County, PA lists Abraham as having been a Private in Company K of the 3rd Regiment of Pennsylvania working with artillery during the Civil War from 15 March 1864 to 9 November 1865. The Pennsylvania Veterans’ Burial Record lists Abraham as having served as a private with the 3rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company K. He is buried in the Little White Church Cemetery, Carbon County, PA.
Abraham Knappenberger’s gravemarker
in Palmerton, Carbon County, Pennsylvania
CHILDREN
JOHN KNAPPENBERGER (c1856-?)
John Knappenberger was born about 1856 in Carbon County, PA. He was listed as 14 years of age in his parent’s household in the 1870 census for Lower Towamensing Township, Carbon County, PA. More research needs to be completed.
CATHERINE JANE KNAPPENBERGER (1857-1924)
Catherine Jane was born September 1857 in Carbon County, PA and died 24 April 1924 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Wilson Serenis SNYDER, son of Reuben and Elizabeth Snyder, about 1875. Wilson was born February 1856 in Lower Towamensing Township, Carbon County, PA and died 4 September 1916 in Carbon County, PA.
1. Cora J. Snyder was born 18 May 1875 in Northampton County, PA and died 29 July 1913 in Allegheny County, PA She was buried in Church Hill Cemetery, Wilkins Township, Allegheny County, PA. Cora married Christopher BOWERS.
2 Reuben Abraham Snyder was born 12 September 1877 and died 4 February 1945. Reuben married Mary A. HAMILTON. Mary was born about 1889 in Pennsylvania. They had numerous children;several died young. The names of the children that we know are: Evelyn E. Snyder (2 December 1907-7 October 1938) who married Gordon RIMBEY (1904-1944); Arles W.W. Snyder (born about 1910-17 April 1937); Nellie A. Snyder (born about 1913), Frank C. Snyder (born about 1915), Gloria J. Snyder (born about 1916), Mary A. Snyder (born 1919), Mabel Snyder (21 October 1920-15 September 1921); Roy E. Snyder (born about 1921); Mildred Lorraine Snyder (25 July 1924-17 October 1988); Reuben Abraham Snyder, Jr. (born about 1925); Verna M. Snyder (born about 1927); Ruth E. Snyder (born about 1929); and Eva Snyder (born about 1931). All were born in Carbon County, PA.
3. Sarah C. Snyder was born about 1879 mostly likely in Northampton County, PA.
4. Mamie Snyder was born July 1882.
5. Annie Snyder was born 16 March 188 and died 1985 in Sylmer, California. She married a Mr. DOUGHERTY.
6. Laura Snyder was born May 1888.
7. William Wilson Snyder was born 25 August 1890 in McKeesport, Allegheny County, PA.
8. Eva Snyder was born August 1891.
9. Thomas Edward Snyder was born 31 January 1894 in McKeesport, Allegheny County, PA.
10. Jennie Esther Snyder was born 7 February 1896 in McKeesport, Allegheny County, PA and died 28 March 1975 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She married Joseph Bernard KELLY, Sr., son of James Kelly and Mary Donnelly, on 16 April 1916. Joseph was born 17 April 1893 in Allegheny County, PA and died 8 March 1988 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. They had three children: Catherine Jane Kelly (28 November 1917-25 October 2001), James Francis Kelly (10 August 1919-8 March 1990), and Joseph Bernard Kelly, Jr. (17 September 1924-27 February 1987).
11. Lillian P. Snyder was born November 1898 in McKeesport, Allegheny County, PA.
WILLIAM ABRAHAM KNAPPENBERGER (1858-1910)
William Abraham was born 15 September 1858 in Carbon County PA and died 13 December 1910 in Luzerne County, PA. He married Sarah “Jane” GALEY, daughter of Adam Galey and Sarah Reniert. Adam Galey died during the Civil War and Jane was raised in the home of her mother’s second husband, John Sterling. Jane was born 15 August 1864 in Carbon County, PA and died between 1894-1900 most likely in Carbon County, PA They had five children. In the 1900 census, William was listed as a widower in Lower Towamensing Township, Carbon County, PA in his brother’s, Charles R. Knappenberger’s, household with his son, Erwin. In the 1910 census, William was living with his brother, Thomas Franklin Knappenberger, and his family in Weatherly, Carbon County, PA. He was working in a foundry.
1. John William Knappenberger was born 4 March 1883 in Northampton, PA and died 30 October in 1949 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA. He married Ida Matilda STEIGERWALT, daughter of Owen Steigerwalt and Fianna Wertman, on 5 October 1905 in Carbon County, PA. Ida was born 7 August 1888 in East Penn Township, Carbon County, PA and died 12 October 1952 in Carbon County, PA. They are buried in Ben Salem Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. They had three children
a. Wilmer Franklin Knappenberger was born 2 September 1906 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA and died 2 March 1973 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA. He married Elizabeth Emaline SMITH, daughter of Mahlon Smith and Jemima Kuehner, sometime after 1930. Elizabeth was born 29 June 1900 in East Penn Township, Carbon County, PA and died 7 February 1994 in Milford, Pike County, PA. They had two children together. Wilmer also had a stepdaughter, Bessie Leona Smith (22 February 1920-21 April 2007) who married Walter Theodore Strohl (28 September 1912-August 1965). Wilmer may have adopted her.
- Nira Jane Knappenberger was born 1933 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA. She married Marvin Arthur FRANTZ, son of Russell Frantz and Naeda Breiner. Marvin was born 17 October 1931 in Schuylkill County, PA and died 3 October 1974 in Carbon County, PA.
- Remie June “Chut” Knappenberger was born 1936 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA. She married John Frederick PULUKA II on 8 September 1956. John was born 23 March 1930 in PA and died 27 August 1997 in New Jersey.
b. Marvin D. Knappenberger was born 3 June 1909 in Carbon County, PA and died 21 January 1971 in Carbon County, PA. He married Edna G. HABERMAN, daughter of Calvin P. Haberman and Clara E. Steigerwalt. Edna was born 19 April 1915 in Carbon County, PA and died 28 September 2005 in Carbon County, PA. This marriage ended in divorce. Marvin and Edna had three children: Earl L. Knappenberger, Gerald C. Knappenberger and LaVaun Ann Knappenberger.
c. Lula M. Knappenberger was born about 1911 in Carbon County, PA. She married Adam Henry TROUTMAN, son of Jonathan and Sevilla Troutman. Adam was born 8 January 1882 in Wernersville, PA and died 27 April 1958 in Carbon County, PA. Adam was married previously and was most likely a widower when he married Lula. Lula later married a Mr.CAMPBELL.
2. Charles Abraham Knappenberger was born 12 April 1885 in Carbon County, PA and died sometime after 1942. He listed his brother, John William Knappenberger, as his closest relative on his 1917 World War I draft registration card. This would seem to indicate that both of his parents had died. In the 1920 census he was living in his uncle, Thomas Knappenberger’s, household in Palmerton, Carbon County, PA as a “boarder” and working for the zinc company. At that time he was 34 years of age and single. He was still living in 1942 when he registered for the draft for World War II. We know nothing further of him at this time.
3. Llewellyn Edwin Knappenberger was born 17 February 1890 in Nesquehoning, Carbon County, PA and died on 8 March 1965 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. Llewellyn married Anna Catherine SEARFASS, daughter of James Wilson Searfass and Catharine Elisabeth McFarland, on 4 November 1916 in Luzerne County, PA. Anna was born 27 September 1901 in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, PA. They had a son and a daughter. Llewellyn was listed in the 1920 census for Lehighton at the age of 30 as living near his brother, James, at which time he was working as a fireman on a locomotive. In the 1940 census, Llewellyn is listed as single. Volunteering for duty on the day Pearl Harbor was bombed, Llewellyn served with the US Army in World War II. He returned from the war in June 1945.
Llewellyn Edwin Knappenberger
& James Howard Knappenberger
[photo generously provided by Donna George]
a. Charles William Knappenberger died in infancy on 28 April 1917.
b. Alice Knappenberger was born 1920 and died 28 May 1994 in Luzerne County, PA. Alice married Clyde DOTTER, son of Joseph and Maude Dotter, on 26 March 1938. Clyde was born 20 July 1917 in Luzerne County, PA and died April 1982 in Luzerne County, PA. Alice is buried in Laurel Cemetery, Luzerne County, PA . They had a daughter named Anna May Dotter.
4. Erwin Ambrose Knappenberger was born 21 March 1892 in Nesquehoning, Carbon County, PA and died 27 September 1967 in New Hope, Bucks County, PA. He was a mason by trade Erwin served with the US Army during World War I. Erwin first married Anna M. WHITE, daughter of Thomas H. White and Mary Nace, in April 1930. Anna was born 9 December 1898 in Bucks County PA and died 21 November 1957 in Bucks County, PA. Erwin is buried with Anna in Mechanicsville Cemetery, Bucks County, PA. Erwin later married Katarina WRUBEL; Katarina had been married previously to Adam Fratrik who died in 1952. Katarina was born 19 January 1889 in Rusenia, Yugoslavia and died 4 September 1977 in Flemington, New Jersey. Katarina is buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery in Doylestown, PA. Erwin had nochildren.
5. James Howard Knappenberger was born 30 October 1894 in Parryville, Carbon County, PA and died 4 September 1961 in Parryville, Carbon County, PA. James married Sura May SMOYER, daughter of Israel Smoyer and Elmina Sutters, on 19 June 1914 in Carbon County, PA. She was born 19 September 1896 in Parryville, Carbon County, PA and died 31 May 1967 in Parryville, Carbon County, PA. They are buried in Parryville Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. They had four children.
Labor Day Weekend, 1961
FRONT: Terry Youse, Mildred Youse
MIDDLE: Ruth George Smith holding
Denise Smith (Ruth’s daughter), Karen Youse,
James Knappenberger, Sura Knappenberger
BACK: Don George, Jane George holding
Russell George (Don and Jane’s son),
Charles Knappenberger, Wilmer Youse
[photo generously provided by Donna George]
a. Mildred Virginia Knappenberger was born 25 June 1916 in Carbon County, PA and died 6 February 2009 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA. She first married Leroy Ulysses GEORGE, son of Ulysses A. George and Valeria DeLong, on 30 June 1938 in Lehigh County, PA. Leroy was born 10 February 1917 and died 19 August 1975. Mildred and LeRoy had three children: William Samuel Knappenberger (15 December 1936-15 December 1936), Donald Leroy George, Ruth Naomi [George] Smith. This marriage ended in divorce. She later married Wilmer YOUSE in 1949. Wilmer was born 25 July 1910 and died April 1968. Mildred and Wilmer had two children: Karen Youse and Terry Youse. Mildred and Wilmer are buried in Parryville Cemetery.
Circa 1919
Mildred Virginia Knappenberger
& James M. Knappenberger
[photo generously provided by Donna George]b. James M. Knappenberger was born 29 November 1918 in Carbon County. PA and died 9 March 1994 in Carbon County, PA. He is buried in Parryville Cemetery. James married LaRue Arlene SOLT, daughter of Harvey Solt and Minerva Hilda Anthony, in September 1944. LaRue was born 30 October 1921 in Carbon County, PA and died 25 January 2013 in Lehighton, PA at the age of 91. They had one son: Gerald J. Knappenberger who was born 10 April 1945 in Carbon County, PA and died 22 August 2015 in Carbon County, PA. He is buried in Parryville Cemetery.
c. Elsie May Knappenberger was born 15 June 1923 in Carbon County, PA and died 25 March 2004 in Carbon County, PA. She married Willard Lawrence SCHERER on 19 June 1946. Willard was born 16 January 1915 and died February 1968. They are buried in Parryville Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. They had a son: Charlie Scherer.
d. Charles W. Knappenberger was born 27 November 1925 in Carbon County, PA and died 6 April 2010 in Carbon County, PA. He served during World War II in the Army in the European Theatre of Operations.
MARY LILLIAN KNAPPENBERGER (1861-?)
Mary Lillian was born August 1861 in Carbon County, PA and died sometime between 1900 and 1910. She married William Washington YOHE, son of Hiram Yohe and Sarah Jane Sherry. William was born September 1861 in Northampton County, PA and died sometime between 1900 and 1910. Prior to his marriage to Mary Lillian, he had a child with Sarah Agnes Knappenberger, daughter of John Edwards Knappenberger and Sarah Hagenbach of Northampton County, PA. They lived in the Bethlehem-Allentown area of PA. They had seven children.
1. Sarah Suzzana “Susana” Yohe was born 17 August 1884 in Northampton County, PA and died 20 September 1974 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. She married Clarence Merle SAXMAN, son of Peter H. Saxman and Lucetta May Hellings, on 7 July 1904. Clarence was born 14 December 1880 in Westmoreland County, PA and died there on 17 August 1960. He was a farmer in Unity Township, Westmoreland County in the 1920 and 1930 censuses. This couple had five children.
a. Blanche Y. Saxman was born 21 September 1905 and died 15 August 1995 probably in Johnston, PA. She was 24 years old, a teacher, and single in the 1930 census. Blanche married a Mr. DEMANGONE.
b. Frederick K. Saxman was born 11 September 1906 and died May 1979 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. In the 1930 census, Fred was 23 years old, single, and a school teacher.
c. Elyses Saxman was born 1 February 1912 and died August 1982 most likely in Latrobe, PA. She married a Mr. GRAHAM.
d. Sara Virginia Saxman was born 9 November 1917 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA and died 8 October 1992 in Kent County, Michigan. She married Edward Foster NOWLIN, son of Edward Blair Nowlin and Anna Sloan Foster, on 20 April 1940. Edward was born 19 April 1913 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 10 April 1995 in Kent County, Michigan. They had four daughters.
e. John W. Saxman was born 6 July 1919 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 7 July 2007 in Westmoreland County, PA. He married Betty J. BROWN, daughter of Thompson Brown and Hilda Carlson. Betty was born 8 February 1921 in Crabtree, PA and died 21 November 2001 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA. They had two sons and adaughter.
2 William Knappenberger Yohe was born 15 December 1886 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania and died 31 July 1967 in Los Angeles County, California. He married Rachel Grace SAXMAN, daughter of Peter H. Saxman and Lucetta May Hellings. Rachel was born 21 January 1894 in Pennsylvania and died April 1972 in Monaca, Pennsylvania. They had three children.
a. William Knappenberger Yohe, Jr. born 17 April 1921 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 28 February 2007 in Bell County, Texas. He married Alice May POWELL who was born 23 October 1923 and died 9 April 2000 in Bell County, Texas. They had 6 children.
b. Lucetta M. Yohe born 26 June 1923 in Allegheny County, PA and died 25 April 2001 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York. She married Jack M. HUNTER who was born 26 May 1923 and died 3 December 1996.
c. Nancy G. Yohe born about 1926 in Allegheny County, PA.
3. Mary Lillian Yohe was born 1 November 1889 in Northampton County, PA and died 13 July 1984 in Los Angeles County, California. She first married Edward C. CUTHBERT who was born about 1886 in New Jersey. They lived in Winston-Salem, NC during the 1920 census where Edward worked for the steam railway. In 1922, Mary and Edward lived in Burlington, NC. However, in 1923, Mary married a second time to Floyd Clayton PITTS in Tijuana, Mexico and they lived in Los Angeles County afterwards. Floyd was born 15 June 1893 in Arkansas and died 2 April 1957 in Los Angeles County, CA. Mary had no children from either marriage.
4. George Allen Yohe was born February 1892 in Northampton County, PA and died sometime after 1942. In the 1910 census, George along with his brother, John, were living as nephews in the Anna Kidney household in Jersey City, New Jersey. He married Elizabeth M. WALSH about 1920. Elizabeth was born about 1894 in England and died sometime after 1942. This family lived in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey. They had two children.
a. George E. Yohe was born 5 December 1920 in Northampton County, PA and died 14 July 2007 in Northampton County, PA. He married Mary K. BINZEN, daughter of Theodore Binzen and Gertrude Nordstrand. Mary was born 24 April 1926 in Pomona, California and died 31 January 2011 in Lehigh County, PA. They had two daughters.
b. Elizabeth A. Yohe was born 24 March 1925 in New Jersey and died 10 January 2013 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Joseph V. PIO.
5. Catherine Margaretta Yohe was born 23 September 1895 in Northampton County, PA and died sometime after 1930. She married Paul William NOEL, son of George E. and Mary E. NOEL. Paul was born 9 March 1891 in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, PA. In 1920 census they were living in Westmoreland County, PA and in the 1930 census they were living in St. Louis, Missouri. They had 3 daughters.
a. Mary E. Noel was born about 1916.
b. Pauline Noel was born about 1917.
c. Jane Noel was born about 1924.
6. John W. Yohe was born 23 December 1897 in Northampton County, PA and died 30 July 1918 in Chateau-Thierry, France while fighting in World War I. He was a private in Company M, 110th Infantry and was killed in action. His body was brought home in 1922 where he was buried in Fairview Cemetery, Allentown, Lehigh County, PA with full military honors.
7. Robert Yohe was born March 1900 in Northampton County, PA. Robert has not been located in the 1910 census or the 1917 World War I draft registration so we assume that he died young.
THOMAS FRANKLIN KNAPPENBERGER (1866-1939)
Thomas Franklin was born 24 December 1866 in Bowmanstown, Carbon County, PA and died in Carbon County in 1939. He married Ellen BARREL, daughter of Joel Barrell and Lydia Schock, on 26 April 1900 in Berks County. Ellen was born 11 May 1878 in Ashfield, Carbon County, PA and died 18 April 1951 in Carbon County, PA. This family is buried in Parryville Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. Thomas and Ellen had three children: Emma, George and Eva.
Thomas Knappenberger’s tombstone at
Parryville Cemetery, Carbon County, PA
1. Emma S. Knappenberger was born 28 January 1899 in Ashfield, Carbon County, PA and died 29 July 1984 in Parryville, Carbon County, PA. Emma married Edgar Morris BORTZ, son of Frank M. and Clara F. Bortz, on 23 December 1916. Edgar was born 30 January 1894 in Fogelsville, Lehigh County, PA and died 1960 in Carbon County, PA. Emma and Edgar are both buried in Parryville Cemetery. They had four children.
a. Thomas F. Bortz was born 29 March 1917 in Carbon County, PA and died January 1979 in Carbon County, PA. He married Velma R. LAUER, daughter of Ulysses G. Lauer and Carrie I. Campbell. Velma was born 11 August 1916 and died 27 March 2006 in Carbon County, PA. They are both buried in Parryville Cemetery.
b. Edna M. Bortz was born 15 December 1919 in Carbon County, PA and died 22 October 2003 in Somerset County. She married Thomas Luther STEIGERWALT, Jr., son of Thomas Luther Steigerwalt, Sr. and Verna Druckenmiller. Thomas was born 17 July 1919 in PA and died October 1985 in Somerset County.
c. Robert C. Bortz born 1928 in Carbon County, PA.
d. Walter A. Bortz was born 8 December 1935 in Carbon County, PA and died 24 October 2003 in Carbon County, PA.
2. George Calvin Knappenberger was born 16 May 1902 in Carbon County, PA and died June 1967 in Carbon County, PA. George married Cora M. STUBER. Cora was born 9 April 1903 and died December 1976 in Carbon County, PA. They are buried in Parryville Cemetery. We have not located any children for this couple
3. Eva Agnes Knappenberger was born 14 February 1905 in Carbon County, PA and died 11 November 1983 in Carbon County, PA. She married Lewis L. BLOSE, son of Albert M. and Annie R. Blose, about 1921. Lewis was born 4 July 1903 in PA and died February 1974 in Carbon County, PA. They had 9 children.
a. Melvin L. Blose born 20 November 1921 in Carbon County, PA and died 24 February 1981 in Carbon County, PA. He married Irene E.E. KOCH, daughter of Arthur Koch and Iva Strausberger. Irene was born 4 October 1924 in Carbon County, PA and died 19 June 1987 in Carbon County, PA. They are buried in Parryville Cemetery.
b. Verna M. Blose who married a Mr. GREEN.
c. Marian E. Blose born about 1925 and died 26 January 2011 in Carbon County, PA. She married Lewis A. FLEXER, son of George J. and Mable M. Flexer. Lewis was born 12 December 1920 in Carbon County, PA and died 14 February 2006 in Carbon County, PA.
d. Evelyn L. Blose was 1927 in Carbon County. She married John E. SHEPHERD who was born 1 April 1916 and died 7 January 2006 in Lehigh County, PA.
e. Loretta E. Blose was born 22 April 1929 in Carbon County, PA and died 30 June 1992 in Carbon County, PA. She married Myron W. DUNBAR, son of Warren Dunbar and Sallie Smith. Myron was born 25 August 1918 in Carbon County, PA and died September 1993 in Carbon County, PA. He is buried in Parryville Cemetery.
f. Donald C. Blose was born 28 April 1931 and died 3 April 2007 in Carbon County, PA. He married Joan E. BORGER.
g. Shirley K. Blose married a Mr. DUNBAR.
h. Dale W. Blose who married Margaret [maiden name unknown].
i. Carl R. Blose born 29 January 1947 and died 17 December 2007 in Carbon County, PA. He married Dolores KINTZ, daughter of Clarence F. Kintz and Bertha Searfass.
AMANDUS JOHN KNAPPENBERGER (1868-1944)
Amandus John was born 30 August 1868 in Lehigh Gap, PA and died 31 May 1944 in Carbon County, PA. He is buried in Gnaden Huetten Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. He first married Anna J. STETTLER, daughter of Eliza, on 24 March 1890. Anna was born 3 March 1867 in Carbon County, PA and died 30 January 1901 in Carbon County, PA. Amandus married a second time to Mary Rebecca REHRIG known as “Rebecca”, daughter of Lewis Henry Rehrig and Catherine Jane Beidleman, on 17 May 1902 in Carbon County, PA. Rebecca was born 1 October 1880 in Carbon County, PA and died 16 March 1918 in Weissport, Carbon County, PA. Amandus and Rebecca had 8 children. These children were put up for adoption and a number of them went to the home of a family named NEFF. One family story has Amandus dying with his second wife, Rebecca, by drowning. However, the 1930 census for Palmerton, Carbon County, PA lists Amandus Knappenberger as 61 years of age, widowed, a boarder, and working as a laborer in a sand quarry. He is found in the 1940 census as 71 years of age and widowed. A son, Howard, died in 1916 by drowning in a canal which might explain some of the family story of Rebecca dying in 1916 by drowning.
1. John L.A. Knappenberger was born 25 July 1902 in Carbon County, PA and died June 1983 in Lehighton, Carbon County,PA. He seemingly did not marry.
2. Robert E. Knappenberger was born 2 December 1904 in Bowmanstown, Carbon County, PA and died May 1976 in Walnutport, Northampton County, PA. He married Helen L. RADER, daughter of Richard Rader and Annie Serfass. She was born 9 March 1915 in Northampton County, PA and died 17 January 2008 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in Union Cemetery, Slatington, Lehigh County, PA. They had one son.
a. Robert A. Knappenberger was born 3 February 1933 in Lehigh County, PA and died 21 November 2009 in Northampton County, PA. He is buried in Union Cemetery in Slatington, PA. Robert served with the Army during the Korean War. He first married Elizabeth Jane ANDREWS, daughter of Arthur J. Andrews and Viola Edwards, in May 1955. Elizabeth known as “Betty Jane” was born 5 January 1933 in Lehigh County, PA and died 8 March 1994 in Lehigh County, PA. Robert remarried June 1999 to Karen F. SMITH, daughter of Henry F. Smith and Grace I. Farrell. It seems that Robert had no children.
3. Clara R. J. Knappenberger known as “CJ” was born 1906 in Carbon County, PA. She married George W.A. COFFIN, son of Wesley A. and Ida Coffin, about 1925. George was born 12 May 1903 in Northampton County, PA and died January 1977 in Northampton County, PA. They had a child. In the 1930 census, this family was living in Walnutport, PA. Clara and George Coffin divorced, and Clara later married Earl Kenneth MUTH, son of Morris Muth and Matilda Day, who was born 15 July 1916 in Allentown, PA and died 3 February 1985 in PA. Clara died in 1967 and is buried in Union Cemetery, Slatington, Lehigh County, PA.
a. Norman G. Coffin was born 20 August 1927 and died April 1967 in a car accident. In 1953, Norman married Sarah A Silliman, daughter of Samuel Silliman and Elizabeth Kuntzman, who was born 1927 and died 22 December 2012 in Carbon County, PA. They had at least two sons: Jeffrey N. Coffin and Timothy S. Coffin. Norman and Sarah are buried in Union Cemetery, Slatington, Lehigh County, PA.
4. Wilson Elmer Knappenberger was born 11 May 1908 in Bowmanstown, Carbon County, PA and died 14 January 1965 in Walnutport, Northampton County, PA. Wilson married Dorothy A. GREENZWEIG, daughter of Francis E. Greenzweig and Julia Leonard, on 18 August 1927 in Carbon County, PA. Dorothy was born 26 January 1909 in East Mauch Chunk [now Jim Thorpe], Carbon County, PA and died 5 July 1991 in Carbon County, PA. Wilson and Dorothy had ten children. After Wilson’s death, Dorothy remarried to Henry Absalom Green (5 April 1922 – 21 July 1997). Wilson and Dorothy are both buried in Fairview Cemetery, Slatington, PA.
a. Harold W. Knappenberger was born 18 February 1928 and died 5 April 1985 in Carbon County, PA. Harold served in the Korean War. He married Joyce W. BOWMAN, daughter of Harold E. Bowman and Madeline M. Drumbore, in 1950. Joyce was born 8 December 1934 and died 11 February 1988 in Carbon County, PA. They had a son and daughter.
b. Eleanor M. Knappenberger was born 16 December 1929 in Lehigh County, PA and died 13 January 2005 in Palmerton, PA. She married Charles L. MEIXSELL, Sr., son of Jacob H. Meixsell and Beulah Altemus, on 4 August 1951. Charles was born 8 December 1927 and died 28 July 1998 in Lehigh County, PA. They had 6 children.
c. Joyce L. Knappenberger was born 6 October 1931 and died 2 January 1993. She married Harry VERSUK, Sr., son of Metro Weresiuk (Versuk) and Malanka Olinick, on 2 December 1950. Harry was born 13 April 1927 in Palmerton, PA and died 18 December 2004 in Palmerton, PA. They had 3 children.
d. Donald William Knappenberger was born 16 August 1934 in Palmerton, Carbon County, PA and died267 August 2015 there. He married Joan E. JOHNSON on 28 January 1956. Joan, daughter of John Johnson and Anna Mae Bruch was born 21 May 1937 in Monroe County, PA and died 16 October 2014 in Fountain Hill,Lehigh County, PA. They had 6children.r
e. Kenneth Richard Knappenberger
f. Richard Allen Knappenberger was born 20 July 1939 in Walnutport, Carbon County, PA and died 20 April 2019 in Palmerton, Carbon County, PA. He married 13 June 1959 to Gail Hontz and had
g. Annabelle May Knappenberger was born 6 November 1941 inn Walnutport, PA and died 10 May 2006 in Palmerton, PA. She married Harold C. GROSS, Jr. on 20 August 1966. They had two children.
h. Allen R. Knappenberger
i. Carol J. Knappenberger
j. Stephen A. Knappenberger, Sr. was born 24 December 1949 in Lehigh County, PA and died 23 February 2014 in Walnutport, PA. Stephen A. Knappenberger, Sr. served with the US Army during the Vietnam War. He married Glendra KLOTZ and had a son, Stephen A. Knappenberger. Jr.
5. Carrie Ellen Knappenberger was born 20 October 1910 in Carbon County, PA and died May 1925 in Chester County, PA where she had been attending Pennhurst State School [founded in 1908 as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded and Epileptic] for the previous five plus years. Her cause of death at age 14 was epilepsy. She is buried in Towamensing Cemetery, Palmerton, Carbon County, PA.
6. Emma Cora Rebecca Knappenberger was born 11 April 1912 in Bowmanstown,Carbon County, PA and died 11 June 1965 in Northampton County PA. She married Charles E. HINKLE, Sr., son of John H. Hinkle and Bertha Wesner, on 26 April 1930. Charles was born 21 September 1903 in Easton, Northampton County, PA and died 8 September 1994 in Carbon County, PA. They are buried in Union Cemetery, Slatington, Lehigh County, PA They had five children.
a. Charles E. Hinkle, Jr.
b. Ronald B. Hinkle was born 2 November 1940 and died 23 September 2014.
c. David A. Hinkle, Sr. was born 2 August 1944 and died 28 July 2008.
d. Joan Hinkle.
e. Robert Charles Hinkle was born 20 June 1930 and died 15 August 1930.
7. Mabel Knappenberger was born 9 May 1914 in Carbon County, PA and died 6 April 1916 in Carbon County, PA. Mabel is buried in Towamensing Cemetery, Palmerton, Carbon County, PA
8. Howard Knappenberger was born 16 July 1916 in Carbon County, PA and died 19 September 1916 in Carbon County, PA. His death certificate indicates he died of an accidental drowning in a canal. He is buried in Towamensing Cemetery.
CHARLES R. KNAPPENBERGER (1870-1940)
Charles was born 12 August 1870 in Lower Towamensing Township, Carbon County, PA and died 23 September 1940 Northampton County, PA. He was listed in the 1910 census for Carbon County as “Charles Nappenburger”. He married Rebecca BARREL (or Borrell), daughter of Joel Barrell and Lydia Schoch, on 28 July 1892. Rebecca was born 4 January 1872 in East Penn Township, Carbon County, PA and died 22 January 1940. They are buried in Arlington Cemetery in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA. They had 6 children. Rebecca is the sister of Ellen Barrell who married Charles’ brother, Thomas Franklin Knappenberger (see above).
1. Cora A. Knappenberger was born 6 April 1893 in East Penn Township, Carbon County, PA and died 18 March 1952 in Northampton County, PA. In the 1920 census, Cora was listed as married and seemingly to George L. DAUBENSPECK, son of Charles B. and Emma C. Daubenspeck. George was born July 1905 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. But by 1930 census, she was married to John T. PRICE who was born about 1901 in New Jersey and died sometime before 1952. They had six children.
a. Lloyd N. Price was born 23 December 1921 in Lehigh County, PA and died January 1985 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Patricia.
b. Dorothy M. Price was born about 1923 and married a Mr. KELLER.
c. Virginia Price was born about 1925 and married Herman MOYER.
d. Helen M. Price was born 14 January 1929 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died 8 April 1995. She married Donald T. BRANDT.
e. Pauline Price who married Paul TOMSON.
f. Richard Price.
2. William Albert Knappenberger was born 1 August 1894 in Carbon County, PA and died 10 April 1938 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. In the 1900 census, he was living with his grandmother, Lydia Barrell, at the age of 6 and listed as a grandson. In the 1910 census, he was living with Charles R. Knappenberger and listed as a son. He married Lizzie NIERHAUS, daughter of Robert J. Nierhaus and Cinderella Fredrick Nierhaus, on 14 August 1915 in the Jerusalem Church in Lehigh County, PA. This marriage must have ended in divorce because Lizzie, who was born in 1895, died in 1933 as Lizzie E. Bower and is buried with her parents in the Jerusalem Western Salisbury Church Cemetery. They had a daughter, Dorothy Knappenberger, born 1926 in Lehigh County, PA. We know that Dorothy was not living with Lizzie in the 1930 census nor with William in the 1930 census. By the 1930 census, William Knappenberger is 37 years of age and married for 5 years to May [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1904 in PA. Nothing further is known at this time..
3. Clara Lydia Knappenberger was born 24 May 1895 in Carbon County, PA and died 1 July 1964 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Robert Thomas RUTMAN, son of Monroe Rutman and Mary Moser, on 22 November 1909. Robert was born 1 October 1888 in Catasauqua, PA and died 21 October 1944. They are buried in Coplay Cemetery in Lehigh County, PA. This couple had five children.
a. Arlene M. Rutman was born about 1914 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Robert P. RITTER, born about 1908 in Lehigh County, PA, and had four children.
b. Howard R. Rutman was born 11 February 1916 and died in February 1967 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Matilda M. TRANSUE and had ten children.
c. Florence L. Rutman was born 28 March 1914 and died 2 April 2004 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Harold L. SWOYER, born 8 December 1914 and died 28 November 1992, and had ten children. They are buried in Coplay Cemetery.
d. Clara C. Rutman was born 2 January 1921 and died 12 April 1996. She first married William L. FALK, Sr., who was born about 1908 and was the son of Edwin Henry Falk and Eva E. Ludwig, and had six children. She later married Frederick R. BRAUCHLE, Jr., born 30 July 1928 and died 23 April 1996, and had one son.
e. Robert Thomas Rutman, Jr. was born and died in 1923 in Lehigh County, PA. He is buried in Coplay Cemetery.
4. Charles Howard Knappenberger was born 20 January 1906 in Carbon County, PA and died 10 April 1968 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He married Florence A. MERKLE, daughter of Frank Merkle and Mary Schmoyer, Florence was born 24 November 1902 in East Texas, Lehigh County, PA and died 6 December 1999 in Lehigh County, PA. Florence died at the age of 97 and was very involved with the Salvation Army. They had two children.
a. Margaret Florence Knappenberger was born 27 March 1924 in Allentown, PA and died 26 May 1989 in Maryland. She married Frederick Harry STUMPP, Jr., son of Frederick Harry Stumpp, Sr. and Mabel Metizler. Frederick was born 9 March 1924 and died 2 February 1983 in Lehigh County, PA. They had four sons: Bruce Stumpp, Dennis Stumpp, Kevin Stumpp and John Stumpp.
b. Donald Charles Knappenberger was born 30 December 1932 in Allentown, PA and died 25 December 1997 in Lehigh County, PA. He married June ANDREAS and had two sons: Donald Charles Knappenberger, Jr. (13 September 1955-22 September 2010) and Ronald H. Knappenberger who married Radelle BOLZA (1947-2022). Donald Charles later married Marlene MIEDZWIECKI.
5. Bertha M. Knappenberger was born 31 July 1910 in Carbon County, PA and died 15 October 1997 in Lehigh County, PA. Bertha married Charles W. MARTZZ who was born 4 May 1907 in Summit Hill, Carbon County, PA and died 15 September 1984 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. This couple had one son.
a. Charles H. Martzz was born 9 December 1935 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died in Macungie, Lehigh County, PA on 3 July 2010. He married Linda A. WALPER in 1963.
6. Harvey Abraham Knappenberger was born 7 November 1916 in Bowmanstown, Carbon County, PA and died 6 November 1993 in Stroudsburg, Monroe County, PA. Harvey married Mary Arline STEINSON, daughter of John Steinson and Mary A. Ziegenfuss, on 24 December 1935. Mary was born in 8 October 1918 and died 18 February 2007 in Lewisburg, PA. They are buried in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Allentown, PA. They had three daughters.
Harvey Abraham Knappenberger
[photo graciously provided by Randy Cope]
a. Janice Marie Knappenberger was born 6 April 1938 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died 4 December 1994 in Virginia. She married Robert Charles SCHIFFNER. Robert was born in 1937. They had two children: Mark David Schiffner and Diane Elizabeth Schiffner.
b. Jean R. Knappenberger was born 23 January 1940 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died at the age of 27 on 25 February 1967. She is buried in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Allentown, PA. Jean married James E. Cody about 1965.
c. Mary Ann Knappenberger was born 23 March 1944 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died 9 April 2022 in Allenwood, PA. Her first husband was Thomas Andrew Cope, Jr. (1943-1996) with whom she had five children: Randy, Stephen, Andrea, Cynthia and Michael. This marriage ended in divorce. Mary then married Gilbert W. Balliet known as “Sonny” on 11 October 1985. Gilbert was born 28 September 1936 and died 10 May 2014. Together they had two children: Gilbert Balliet, Jr. and Christine Balliet. Mary Ann is buried in Watsontown Cemetery, Northumberland County, PA.
SARAH AMANDA KNAPPENBERGER (1871-1920)
Sarah was born 4 December 1871 in Lower Towamensing Township, Carbon County, PA and died 2 January 1920 in Carbon County, PA. She married Henry Grant FIELD, son of Joseph L. Field and Lena Elizabeth Eaches, on 17 May 1890 in Carbon County, PA. Henry was born 20 June 1869 in Parryville, Carbon County, PA and died 5 June 1917 in Carbon County, PA. In the 1920 census for Carbon County, Sarah Field is listed as a widow. They had five children.
1. Joseph Burton/Bertine Field was born September 1893 in Carbon County, PA and died 20 June 1927 in Carbon County, PA. He married Hazel A. KLOTZ, daughter of Charles E. Klotz and Martha Washburn. Hazel was born 7 November 1893 in Carbon County, PA and died 2 February 1959 in Luzerne County, PA. She is buried in Union Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. They had seven children: Ethel S. Field (born about 1915), Grant B. Field (born about 1917), Charles Field (born about 1919), Kathryn A. Field (born about 1922), Wilbur J. Field (born about 1923), Martha A. Field (born about 1925), and William E. Field (born about 1926). All children were born in Carbon County, PA. After the early death of Joseph Field in 1927, Hazel married his younger brother, Theodore R. Field [see below].
2. Russell R. Field was born December 1896 in Carbon County, PA. He married Addie M. [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1900 in New Jersey. They had three daughters: Pearl A. Field (born about 1918), Ruth Field (born about 1921) and Dorothy Field (born about 1926).
3. Sarah Elizabeth Field was born 20 November 1900 in Carbon County, PA and died 17 January 1941 in Lehigh County, PA. She married a Mr. COOPER but this marriage ended in divorce in 1934. She later married John Ervin FETHERMAN who was born 1880 and died 1965 in Lehigh County, PA.
4. Theodore R. Field was born 8 June 1903 in Carbon County, PA and died 24 February 1956 in Carbon County, PA. He married his older brother’s [Joseph’s] widow, Hazel KLOTZ FIELD, about 1928. He raised the seven children of that marriage. Theodore and Hazel had two sons of their own as well: Earl H. Field (born about 1929) and Raymond J. Field (born about 1932).
5. Bertha A. Field was born about 1909 in Carbon County, PA.
LUCY ANN KNAPPENBERGER (1876-1935)
Lucy Ann was born 11 August 1876 in Lower Towamensing, Carbon County, PA and died 14 July 1935 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Joseph Franklin BELTZ, son of Joseph and Lydia Beltz, on 22 February 1890 in Carbon County, PA. Joseph was born 13 November 1870 in Carbon County, PA and died 1 January 1956 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. Lucy and Joseph are buried in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Bowmanstown, PA. The 1910 census indicates that he lived in Carbon County, PA and the 1920 census lists them in Salisbury Township Lehigh County, PA as farmers. They had twelve children: Clara L. Beltz (born May 1891 in Carbon County, PA); Gertrude M. Beltz (February 1893-6 September 1962); Emma M. Beltz (born April 1895); child Beltz (born about 1898-died before 1900); Harvey J. Beltz (14 February 1900-30 March 1954); Claude E. Beltz (11 August 1902-March 1985); Myrtle A. Beltz (12 December 1904-30 May 1906); Ida E. Beltz (1907-23 September 1999); Anabel M.A. Beltz (born 1910); Verna Beltz (born about 1913); Edna Elizabeth Beltz (29 October 1914-13 December 1914); and Robert J. Beltz (born about 1922).
SPECIAL THANKS
Jackie Babisz for information on the Caterine Jane [Knappenberger] Snyder family!
Karen Fratrik Earls for helping us with the Erwin Ambrose Knappenberger family!
Sandy Saxman Nowlin Zeles for her interest in the Mary Lillian [Knappenberger] Yohe family history.
Bob Schiffner and Richard Knappenberger for sharing information on their families.
Elizabeth Everett, Dale Berger, Nancy and Jay Knappenberger for providing information on the various Carbon County Knappenberger families and related families.
Derek Orrell for his assistance with the William W. Yohe/Mary Lillian Knappenberger family.
Donna Puluka for sharing her family information regarding Wilmer Franklin Knappenberger.
Donna George for sharing her family history on the James Howard Knappenberger family.
Pauline Anthony for providing updated and corrected information about the James M. Knappenberger family.
We need further information on this family. Can you help? Contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.