JAMES HENRY KNAPPENBERGER
OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Updated June 2024/Under Revision
Johan Michael
(1709-1751)
V
Johan Henrich
(1744-1818)
V
Johan Henrich Jr
(1781-1833)
V
Thomas
(1809-1857)
V
James Henry
(1855-1917)
V
Charles Franklin (1875-1947) > 10 Children
James Henry (1877-1942) > 6 Children
Nathan Edward (1880-1944) > 5 Children
William Alfred (1881-1957) > 6 Children
Richard Elmer (1884-1940) > 5 Children
Myrtle Mae (1886-?) > 3 Children
Harvey Douglas (1889-1972)
George Arthur (1891-1969)
Bertha A. (1893-1917)
Berdie (1895-1897)
Mamie Ellen (1897-1979) > 6 Children
Clinton Ray (1900-1985) > 12 Children
Harry L. (1902-1931) > 5 Children
Chester G. (1904-?)
GENERAL INFORMATION
James Henry was born 27 August 1855 in Polk Township, Monroe County, PA and died in June 1917 in Penn Forest, Carbon County, PA. James married Leah M. HOFFNER, daughter of Philip Hoffner and Lydia Ann Learn. Leah was born 29 February 1860 in Monroe County, PA and died 26 May 1940 in Carbon County, PA. They are buried at Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery at Christmans in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, PA. They had fourteen children.
CHILDREN
CHARLES FRANKLIN KNAPPENBERGER (1875-1947)
Charles Franklin known as “Frank” was born 25 July 1875 in Monroe County, PA and died 4 December 1947 in Bowmanstown, Carbon County, PA. Frank married Ellen Jane HELMER(S), daughter of Charles Helmer (born 18 August 1846 in Hanover, Germany) and Elvina Jane Helmer, on 7 August 1896. Ellen Jane was born 15 June 1875 in Carbon County, PA and died 9 August 1920 in Carbon County, PA. This couple is buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery in Christmans, Carbon County, PA. They had ten children.
1. Albert Franklin Knappenberger was born 30 January 1897 in Carbon County, PA and died 13 October 1973 in Carbon County, PA. He first married Esmerald Heydt, daughter of Jacob W. Heydt and Johanna Kibler. Esmeralda was born 6 September 1906 in Carbon County, PA and died there 28 March 1926. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. Albert and Esmeralda had one daughter. Albert Franklin Knappenberger then married Rachel Catherine HOFFMAN, daughter of Joseph M. Hoffman and Martha Smith. Rachel was born 21 September 1904 in Luzerne County, PA and died 27 January 1992 in Lehigh County, PA. Albert and Rachel had six children.
a. Loretta Daisy Knappenberger, daughter of Albert and Esmeralda, was born March 1926 in Carbon County, PA. She married Michael J. HERRITY, son of James M. Herrity and Agnes Gallagher. Michael was born 24 January 1920 in Lehigh County, PA and died 19 July 1987 in Carbon County, PA.
b. Warren Wayne Knappenberger, child of Albert and Rachel, was born 25 November 1930 in Northampton County, PA and died 10 September 1997 in Carbon County, PA. He is buried in Neff’s Union Cemetery. He married Shirley Margarite Abbie RUMFIELD. They had 4 sons: Rev. James Lee Knappenberger (1952-2019), Glenn, Frank and Gene.
c. Louis Franklin Knappenberger, child of Albert and Rachel, married Helen Bailey and later Annette Lavone BEERS and had 3 children.
d. Martha Arlene Knappenberger, child of Albert and Rachel, married Gerald Chester WOODRING, son of Walter W. Woodring and Bertha Traugher, on 8 January 1955. Gerald was born 23 July 1931 in Lehigh County, PA and died there 5 March 2011. He is buried in Snyders Church Cemetery.
e. Stanley Albert Knappenberger, child of Albert and Rachel, was born March 1938 in Northampton County, PA and died 2 September 2008 in Palmerton, Carbon County, PA He married Grace L. HENRY who was born 16 April 1936 and died 30 January 2021. They had two daughters.
f. June Ellen Knappenberger, child of Albert and Rachel, married Bruce O. Altrichter and later Ronald KINEK.
g. Percy Donald Knappenberger, child of Albert and Rachel, was born 31 July 1944 in Northampton County, PA and died 21 October 2010 in Gerard, Ohio. He is buried in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. Percy married Helen Christine Costello who had been divorced and had 2 children.
2. Alice Amelia Knappenberger was born 20 March 1898 in Carbon County, PA and died April 1972 in Lehigh County, PA. She married William Edward HOFFMAN on 16 April 1918. William was born 15 February 1891. This couple had 2 children.
a. Victor Edward Hoffman was born 7 November 1918 in Carbon County, PA and died 2 July 1997 in Lehigh County, PA.
b. Alberta Suella Hoffman.
3. Arthur Elias Knappenberger was born 19 November 1899 in Carbon County, PA and died 29 August 1959. Arthur was a twin but the other child did not survive. Arthur married Sadie Ella [maiden name unknown] who was born 26 February 1905 and died July 1976 in Northampton County, PA. This couple had 2 children.
a. Albert Arthur Knappenberger was born 21 January 1922 and died 5 April 1972. Albert enlisted in the military service on 21 October 1942 in Pennsylvania.
b. Marshall Edward Knappenberger was born 10 April 1923 and died May 1981 in Hellertown, PA. He married Roseann WELLAND who was born 15 July 1925 in PA and died October 1974 in Hellertown, PA. They had 4 children.
4. Infant Knappenberger was born 19 November 1899 (twin of Arthur Elias) and died at birth. The 1900 census indicates that Ellen Knappenberger had given birth to four children of which 3 were alive in 1900.
5. Verna Isabella Knappenberger was born 27 July 1901 in Carbon County, PA and died 31 October 1991 in Carbon County, PA. She married Theodore Richard BIERMAN, son of Aboyle Bierman and Mary Rehrig, on 27 October 1922. Theodore was born 23 August 1905 and died 19 August 1985 in Carbon County, PA. This couple had 3 children.
a. Llewellyn C.A. Bierman who was born 11 February 1925 in Carbon County, PA and died on 10 October 1986 in Carbon County, PA. He married Pearl A. BEERS, daughter of Asa Beers and Emma Meckes. They had 2 sons: Charles L. Bierman and Richard A. Bierman.
b. Arletta R. Bierman was born 11 August 1928 in Carbon County, PA and died 8 May 2009 there. She married Horace A. FREY, son of Owen Frey and Florence E. Bowman. Horace was born 24 April 1921 in Carbon County, PA and died 10 March 1990 there. They had a son, Brian T. Frey.
c. Theodore A. Bierman who was born 5 September 1936 in Carbon County, PA and died there on 11 April 1995. He married Charlotte V. MILLER.
6. Violet Irene Knappenberger was born about 1903 in Carbon County, PA. She married Nathan George Jonas HARTRANFT, son of Jonas Hartranft and Sadie Hoffman, on 30 March 1923. Nathan was born 12 June 1900 in Ashfield, Carbon County, PA and died 29 November 1985 in Lehigh County, PA. This couple had 4 children.
a. Elaine S. Hartranft was born 9 November 1923 in Carbon County and died 31 May 2000 in Lehigh County, PA. She first married Russell A. GRIM and later in 1951 married Luther F. SCHWEITZER who was born 1923.
b. Larue May Hartranft who married Milton E. CLAUSER, son of Charles and Sadie Clauser of Carbon County, PA. Milton was born 30 November 1924 in Carbon County, PA and died February 1978.
c. Nathan Hartranft who died at the age of 5.
d. Doris M. Hartranft married a Mr. HUMMEL and later married Richard C. ARDLE. Richard was born 28 February 1935 and died 7 April 2001 in Northampton County, PA.
7. Laura M. Knappenberger was born 18 May 1906 in Carbon County, PA and died 20 November 1995 in Carbon County, PA. She married Wilbur B. REHRIG, son of Augustus Rehrig and Ida Beltz, on 22 September 1923. Wilbur was born 13 May 1905 in Pennsylvania and died 9 December 1985 in Carbon County, PA. This couple had 5 children.
a. Laird E. Rehrig was born 1923 and died during World War II between 1943 and 1945.
b. Horace F. Rehrig was born 10 March 1925 in Bowmanstown, PA and died 21 May 2011 in Allentown, PA. He married LaRue E. MUTHARD in 1946. LaRue died in 2007. They had two children. Horace is buried in Dinkey Memorial Cemetery, Ashfield, PA.
c. Lorraine A. Rehrig who married a Mr. FALCONE.
d. Gene E. Rehrig who was born 28 March 1929 in Carbon County, PA and died there on 6 July 1991.
e. Alice I. Rehrig who married Maynard W. HENNING, son of Lloyd and Emily Henning. Maynard was born 2 October 1926 in Carbon County, PA and died 7 November 1989.
8. Myrtle E. Knappenberger was born 4 September 1912 in Carbon County, PA and died in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA on 19 April 1991. Myrtle married Stanley L. EBERT, son of Morbia C. Ebert and Carrie M. Kline, in May 1933. Stanley was born 24 February 1910 in Orefield, Lehigh County, PA and died 7 December 1992 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. This couple had 1 son.
9. Twin of Myrtle was born 4 September 1912 in Carbon County, PA and died in September 1912.
10. Russell L. Knappenberger was born 3 November 1916 in Carbon County, PA and died 17 April 1994 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He was a Navy Seabees veteran of World War II. Russell married Evelyn R. OCHS, daughter of Wallace C. Ochs and Helen Hunsicker, in May 1940. This couple had two children.
a. Dale Russell Knappenberger was born 5 August 1943 in Lehigh County, PA and died 5 December 2005 in Port Jervis, New York. Dale served with the Navy during the Vietnam War era. Dale married Joanne A. ROGOWITZ in January 1966. Joanne was born April 1939 in Carbon County, PA and died 6 November 2002 in Lehigh County, PA.
b. Susan J. Knappenberger who married Robert Bruce Wallace.
Russell L. Knappenberger on a pony at
his childhood home in Penn Haven Junction.
His father, Charles “Frank” Knappenberger,
was a foreman on the railroad.
Russell L. Knappenberger during his time
in the US Navy during WWII. He was a
Seabee and served in the South Pacific.
Dale and Susan Knappenberger, children of
Russell and Evelyn Knappenberger.
Circa 1954.
[photos graciously provided
by Susan Knappenberger Wallace]
JAMES HENRY KNAPPENBERGER, JR. (1877-1942)
James Henry was born 26 August 1877 in Monroe County, PA and died 15 January 1942 in Carbon County, PA. He married Laura Mable KOCH, daughter of Enos D. and Ellen KOCH, who was born December 1882 in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, PA and died 1956 in Carbon County, PA. This couple is buried in Long Run Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. They had six children.
1. Grace Ida Knappenberger was born 7 December 1907 in Carbon County, PA and died 6 June 1985 in Carbon County, PA. She married James David STROHL, son of Lewis A. Strohl and Savannah Matilda Kromer. David was born 23 March 1905 in Carbon County, PA and died 13 June 1964. They had 2 children.
a. Miles David Strohl was born 29 March 1931 and died12 September 1989.
b. Laura Grace Strohl was born 8 February 1933 and died 29 June 1998. She married Newton Arthur Pettit, Jr. who was born 26 December 1928 and died 24 June 1990.
2. Myrtle Ellen Knappenberger was born 6 August 1909 in Carbon County, PA and died 25 October 1993 in Northampton County, PA. She married Charles W. BYERLEY, Sr., son of Jacob W. Byerley and Carrie Flowers. Charles was born 17 April 1899 in Hartville, Ohio and died 13 April 1996 in Northampton County, PA. Charles, Sr. was married previously to Gertrude Strohl, daughter of Milton and Sarah J. Strohl, and had two sons with her: James and Bob O. Byerley (born 1921). Charles Sr. and Myrtle had 4 children.
a. Charles W. Byerley, Jr. was born 6 August 1933 and died 4 February 2009.
b. Jacob W. Byerley.
c. Pearl Grace Byerley was born 13 February 1939 and died 21 March 2006. She married Donald David SCHEPPLY who was born 8 May 1939 and died 15 August 1994. Pearl remarried to Bill SCHLEICHER.
d. Myrtle Victoria Byerley.
3. Bert Theodore Enos Knappenberger was born 12 November 1910 in Carbon County, PA and died 22 February 1963 in Carbon County, PA. Bert married Ada A. REHRIG who was born about 1910. They are buried in Long Run Cemetery, Carbon County, PA. No children.
4. Mamie L.B. Knappenberger was born about 1912/1913 in Carbon County, PA and died sometime after 1944. She married George R. STRAUSBERGER, son of Joseph A. and Maude C. Strausberger. George was born 1907 in Carbon County, PA and died sometime after 1944 when he enlisted in the Army for WWII. They had two sons and a daughter.
a. George J. Strausberger was born 28 February 1932 and died 22 July 2008. He married Elaine L. HAWK. George is buried in Franklin Heights Cemetery in Lehighton, PA.
b. Richard Strausberger.
c. Shirley A. Strausberger was born 27 January 1937 and died 16 November 2005. She married Richard CONARTY who was born 11 March 1925 and died 9 April 2003.
5. Miles H.C. Knappenberger was born 31 December 1917 in Carbon County, PA and died 16 May 1988 in Carbon County, PA. He was a well known fiddle player. Miles first married Lorraine GETZ who was born 2 July 1921 and died 9 October 1956 in Carbon County, PA. Together they had 4 children: Miles W. Knappenberger, James D. Knappenberger, Bonnie Lee Knappenberger (1953 – 2024) and Judy Knappenberger. Miles later married Iva M. KEISER(1923-2018). Miles is buried in Long Run Cemetery, Franklin Twp., Carbon County, PA along with his two wives.
6. Bertha A. Knappenberger was born 9 July 1921 in Carbon County, PA and died 1 May 2000 in Carbon County, PA. Bertha was part of the Scitney Family Orchestra for 40 years. She married Leo J. SCITNEY, Sr., on 5 June 1943. Leo was born 13 August 1911 in Allentown, PA and died 1981 in Carbon County, PA. They had 1 son: Leo J. Scitney, Jr.
NATHAN EDWIN KNAPPENBERGER (1880-1944)
Nathan Edwin was born 11 January 1880 in Tunkhannock Township, Monroe County, PA and died 3 September 1944 in Carbon County, PA. He married Lillie “Mable” BEERS, daughter of William Beers and Clara Blose. Mable was born 28 July 1890 in Carbon County, PA and died 20 August 1979 in Carbon County, PA. This couple is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Jim Thorpe, PA. They had five children.
1. Calvin Coolidge Knappenberger was born 25 December 1924 in Carbon County, PA and died August 1982 in Luzerne County, PA. He married Lona A. DOTTER, daughter of Oscar Dotter and Stella Warner. She was born November 1924 and died 1 November 2012 in Hazelton, PA. They had a daughter: Calleen Knappenberger.
2. Robert Nathan Knappenberger was born 23 November 1925 in Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, PA and died in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA on 11 August 2005. Robert was a veteran of World War II. He never married.
3. Harold J. Knappenberger was born 12 April 1927 in Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, PA and died 9 November 2010 in North Port, Florida. Harold was a veteran of World War II. He married Mildred M. HOWARD. They had a son: James N. Knappenberger.
4. William Richard Knappenberger known as “Dick” was born 23 May 1928 in Carbon County, PA and died 20 April 1999 in Carbon County, PA. Dick married Elizabeth J. MORGAN on July 1948. Elizabeth known as “Betty” was born 7 August 1926 and died 10 September 1998 in Carbon County, PA. This couple is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Jim Thorpe, PA. They had one son: Thomas William Knappenberger.
5. Reverend Charles Franklin Knappenberger was born in 1932 and died 8 August 2018. Charlie was a chaplain during the Korean War. He married Mary A. FEE, daughter of John and Sarah Fee, who was born 20 June 1937 and died 3 July 2020. They had three sons: Jonathan Charles Knappenberger, David Knappenberger, and Peter Knappenberger.
WILLIAM ALFRED KNAPPENBERGER (1881-1957)
William Alfred was born 2 December 1881 in Carbon County, PA and died 5 December 1957 in Carbon County, PA. William married Carrie M. ANDREW on 4 October 1904. Carrie was born May 1885 in Carbon County, PA and died 1939 in Carbon County, PA. This couple is buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery in Christmans, PA. They had six children.
1. Kenneth Knappenberger was born 14 December 1904 in Carbon County, PA and died December 1937 in Philadelphia, PA. He is buried in Union Cemetery in Weatherly, PA. He married Anna Mae MONTZ, daughter of William and Julia Montz, about 1923. Anna Mae was born about 1905 in PA. The obituary for Kenneth stated that he was survived by his widow and four children. We know of two of these children. Can anyone help us with the rest of this family?
a. Jean Lorraine Knappenberger was born 29 May 1930 and died 25 May 2007 in PA. She first married Samuel Meyer Gangwere and had two children. Jean then married Leonard A. Snyder about 1956 and had 4 children.
b. Johanna Knappenberger (1932) who married a Mr. Heinen.
2. Kerwin Cameron Knappenberger born 11 June 1906 in Carbon County, PA and died 9 September 1963 in Carbon County, PA. He married Margaret Helen Schrumpf, duaghter of William Schrumpf and Emily Stermer, abut 1929. Margaret was born 24 May 1909 in Carbon County, PA and died 30 April 1941 in Carbon County, PA. They had a daughter, Delores Knappenberger, who was born 22 April 1930 and died 25 October 2006. This couple is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Jim Thorpe, PA.
3. Melvin Lloyd Knappenberger was born 24 Nov 1909 in Carbon County, PA and died 23 March 1990 in Fountain Hill, Lehigh County, PA. He resided in Freemansburg, Northampton County, PA. Melvin was a conductor for the Philadelphia, Bethlehem, & New England Railroad for 33 years. Melvin is buried in Union Cemetery, Hellertown, PA. He married Henrietta Hildegard PAGEL, daughter of Frederick Pagel and Anna Steinbeck. Henrietta was born 17 March 1909 in Carbon County, PA and died 4 June 1992 in Bethlehem, PA. They had five children.
a. Frederick Claude Knappenberger was born 14 March 1929 in Carbon County, PA and died 17 August 1979 in Bethlehem, PA. He married Donna Fay Sutton, daughter of David A. Sutton and Laura Letson. Donna was born 7 October 1931 in Northampton County, PA and died 5 April 2004 in Northampton County, PA. They are buried in Bethlehem Memorial Park. They had two children.
b. Yvonne A. Knappenberger who married Donald E. Frankenfield. They had 2 children.
c. Sandra M. Knappenberger who married Edward F. Wetzel, son of Anthony Wetzel and Agnes Yost, in 1965. Edward was born 25 July 1935 in Northampton County and died there on 27 March 2001. Sandra later married George T. Krisanda.
d. Darlene E. Knappenberger who married Richard R. Glass. This marriage ended in divorce.
e. Kenneth E. Knappenberger who married Charlene K. They had two children.
4. Delbert Warren Knappenberger was born 3 February 1916 in Carbon County, PA and died 4 July 2002 in Easton, PA. He was buried in Forks Church Cemetery. He married Iva Arleyne MUMAW, daughter of Fred F. Mumaw, Sr. and Iva Mae VanHorn in February 1937. Iva was born 15 November 1917 in Easton, PA and died 21 January 2014 in Upper Nazareth Township, PA. They had a son, Warren Lee Knappenberger.
5. Mary C. Knappenberger known as “Mae or May” was born 6 January 1920 in Carbon County, PA and died October 1924 in Carbon County, PA. She is buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery.
6. Lorraine M. Knappenberger was born 10 December 1921 in Carbon County, PA and died 16 January 2002 in Carbon County, PA. She married Ward M. HEISER, son of John D. Heiser and Cynthia Moulthrop. Ward was born 19 November 1916 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA and died 6 October 2008 in Carbon County, PA. They had three daughters: Caroline Heiser, Evelyn Heiser, and Cynthia Ann Heiser who was born 27 August 1941 and died August 2002 in Philadelphia, PA.
RICHARD ELMER KNAPPENBERGER (1884-1940)
Richard ELMER was born 15 March 1884 in Penn Forest, Carbon County, PA and died 26 December 1940. Richard married Clara Mabel HEYDT on 21 August 1907. Clara was born 3 June 1891 in Carbon County, PA and died 27 May 1975. This couple is buried at Christ Lutheran Church at Christmans, Carbon County, PA. Richard and Clara had five children.
1. James Jacob Knappenberger was born 13 March 1908 in Carbon County, PA and died 7 August 1986 in Carbon County, PA. James married Beatrice E. BERGER, daughter of Freeman H. Berger and Ella Getz. Beatrice was born 14 March 1913 in Carbon County, PA and died 3 December 1973 in Carbon County, PA. This couple had 5 children.
a. Evelyn Arlene married Richard Herbert McFarland, Sr., son of Sterling Leroy McFarland and Anna Mae Serfoss, on 12 June 1949. Richard was born 25 October 1928 in Carbon County, PA and died there on 27 March 1955. He is buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery. Evelyn then married Harl Clinton Helmer, son of Henry and Mary Helmer. Harl was born 9 June 1917 in Carbon County, PA and died October 1977 in Carbon County, PA. He is buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery.
b. Joyce M. Knappenberger was born 10 May 1934 in Carbon County, PA and died 10 April 2008 in Harford County, Maryland. She married Joseph L. Kuhla on 25 May 1957.
c. James Franklin Knappenberger, Sr. was born 8 March 1938 in Carbon County, PA and died 2 January 1992 in Luzerne County, PA. He married Sandra Ann Houser, daughter of Nathan Leonard Houser and Edna Milford in June 1960. Sandra was born 6 April 1941 in Carbon County, PA and died 16 February 1998 in Carbon County, PA.
d. Clara E. Knappenberger married Edward Balliet.
e. Robert A. Knappenberger was born 11 June 1946 in Carbon County, PA and died 11 June 2001 in Harford County, Maryland. He married Judith M. Karper on 27 April 1985.
2. Anna L. Knappenberger was born 1 January 1910 in Carbon County, PA and died 8 February 1997 in Carbon County, PA. Anna married Clyde L. KIBLER, son of Harrison Oscar Kibler and Elizabeth Getz. Clyde was born 23 February 1905 and died 18 March 1964. Anna and Clyde had 8 children: Alice Mabel Kibler who married Lawrence Glenmore Getz (16 June 1921-15 August 2006), Richard Kibler, Gladys E. Kibler (9 February 1931-27 June 2004) who married Freeman Getz (1 January 1924-8 November 1998), Clair Kibler, Edna Glenette Kibler, Nancy Kibler, Melva Kibler and Gloria Jean Kibler. Anna later married William HANEY.
3. Esther E. Knappenberger was born 4 March 1912 in Carbon County, PA and died 12 October 2004 in Lehigh County, PA. She first married Charles H. HONTZ who was born 23 May 1917 in PA and died 18 February 2003 in Lehigh County, PA. They had 1 child: Lamont Charles Hontz. Esther then married Herbert D. WENNER who was born 19 May 1910 and died June 1979. They had 2 children: Barbara A. Wenner (16 October 1949 – 20 September 1999) and Jane L. Wenner.
4. Edna Nora Knappenberger was born 8 February 1915 in Carbon County, PA and died 22 March 1993 in Bethlehem, PA. Edna married Mark K. RATCLIFFE who died previous to Edna. This couple had 2 children: Richard Thomas Ratcliffe and Susan Marie Ratcliffe.
5. Lillian Elizabeth Knappenberger was born 24 March 1917 in Carbon County, PA and died 30 October 2004 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Joel A. RADCLIFFE, son of Thomas Radcliffe and Anna Kreidler, in November 1937. Joel was born 16 April 1917 in Carbon County, PA and died 5 April 1986 in Allentown, PA. This couple had 2 children: Jeffrey A. Radcliffe and Barry J. Radcliffe.
MYRTLE MAY KNAPPENBERGER (1886-after 1942?)
Myrtle known as “Mertie” was born 18 September 1886 in Carbon County, PA and died sometime after 1942. She married Harry Grant SNYDER, son of Joseph F. and Rose R. Snyder. Harry was born 2 September 1883 in White Haven, PA and died sometime after 1942. This couple had three children.
1. Melvin D. Snyder was born 2 June 1915 in Carbon County, PA and died 29 December 1998 in Easton, Northampton County, PA. He married Gladys MARIGOLD in 1944. No children were born to this marriage.
2. Elsie M. Snyder was born 14 November 1918 in Carbon County, PA and died 7 December 2008 in Easton, Northampton County, PA. She married William L. BEHN, son of William Behn and Mattie Searfoss, in 1941. He was born 1 July 1917 in Easton, Northampton County, PA and died 13 January 2011. They had a son, Thomas Behn.
3. Harry “Frank” Snyder was born 1 December 1920 in Carbon County, PA and died 14 October 1988 in Wilson, Northampton County, PA. He married Alma N, JONES, daughter of Clark Jones and Lena Walters, in 1944. Alma was born 21 December 1920 in Northampton County, PA and died 26 November 2009 in Northampton County, PA. They had 3 children: Jeffrey Snyder, Jill Snyder and Jean Snyder.
HARVEY DOUGLAS KNAPPENBERGER (1889-1972)
Harvey Douglas was born 27 July 1889 in Carbon County, PA and died 10 November 1972 in Carbon County, PA. He is buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery at Christmans in Carbon County, PA. Harvey married Laura M. REMMEL, daughter of Ezra and Mary Agnes Remmel. Laura was born March 1900 in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, PA. By the 1940 census they are divorced. It seems that they had no children.
GEORGE ARTHUR KNAPPENBERGER (1891-1969)
George Arthur was born 10 February 1891 in Carbon County, PA and died May 1969 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA. He is buried in Tohicken Union Cemetery in Bucks County, PA. George married Ellemanda MARTIN about 1919 who was born 23 June 1896 in Bucks County, PA and died 1974. She is buried in Tohicken Union Cemetery in Bucks County, PA. Known as “Amanda” and listed in the 1930 census as Ellen A. Knappenberger, she was the daughter of Edward Martin and Mary Kulp. They had no children.
BERTHA A. KNAPPENBERGER (1893-1917)
Bertha A. was born 20 March 1893 in Carbon County, PA and died May 1917. Bertha did not marry.
BERDIE A. KNAPPENBERGER (1895-1897)
Berdie A. was born 24 January 1895 in Carbon County, PA and died July 1897 in Carbon County, PA at the age of 2½ years old. He was buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery at Christmans, PA.
MAMIE ELLEN KNAPPENBERGER(1897-1979)
Mamie Ellen was born 20 December 1897 in Carbon County, PA and died July 1979 in Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, PA. She married Reuben Albert HEYDT, son of Jacob Heydt and Johanna Kibler, on 3 July 1916. Reuben was born 24 December 1892 and died 10 June 1955 in Carbon County, PA. Mamie and Reuben are buried in Skyview Memorial Park, Hometown, Schuylkill County, PA. This couple had six children.
Wedding Photo: Mamie Ellen [Knappenberger] Heydt
Carbon County, Pennsylvania, 3 July 1916
[photo graciously provided by
Malanie Harris Taormina,
Mamie’s great-granddaughter]
1. Earl David Heydt was born 5 October 1917 in Carbon County, PA and died 17 April 1969. Earl married Evelyn Jane KEIPER, daughter of George Keiper and Emma Meckes, on 13 May 1938 in Carbon County, PA. Evelyn was born 6 July 1917 in Carbon County, PA and died 14 April 1999 in Carbon County, PA. Earl and Evelyn are buried in Skyview Memorial Park. They had two children: Nancy Jane Heydt and Earl David Heydt, Jr.
2. Helen Mae Heydt was born 25 November 1919 in Carbon County, PA and died 22 October 1999 in Carbon County, PA. She married Woodrow W. ZIMMERMAN, son of Warren Benjmain Zimmerman and Martha Lulu Sandel, who was born 22 March 1918 in Carbon County, PA and died 17 October 1997 in Carbon County, PA. Helen and Woodrow are buried at Skyview Memorial Park in Hometown, PA. They had one child: Carole Mae Zimmerman.
3. Wilbur J. Heydt known as “Rube” was born 11 September 1921 in Carbon County, PA and died 9 January 1998 in Carbon County, PA. Rube was an Army veteran of World War II. He married June HASHER and had 2 children: Gary Lee Heydt and Karen Ann Heydt. He later married Betty PADELIO in 1964 and had three children: Cincerna Heydt, Reuben Heydt and Timothy Heydt.
4. Harry Edward Heydt was born 6 April 1923 in Carbon County, PA and died 1 July 1987 in Carbon County, PA. Harry was a veteran of World War II and was a Carbon County District Justice for 15 years. Harry married Jean Minerva SERFASS and had three children: Sharon Ann Heydt, Allen Stanley Heydt and Jeffery Lee Heydt.
5. Ruth Heydt who died at 2 months of age.
6. James Henry Heydt, Sr. was born 20 April 1935 in Carbon County, PA and died 11 February 2006 in Carbon County, PA. He married Anna Mae FELLER and had four children: Charles Heydt, Reuben Heydt, James Henry Heydt, Jr., Marie Lillian Heydt and Lisa Heydt. This marriage ended in divorce. He then married Stephanie WOLOSHYN.
CLINTON RAY KNAPPENBERGER (1900-1985)
Clinton Ray was born 7 August 1900 in Penn Forest, Carbon County, PA and died 6 May 1985 in Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, PA. Clinton was a trackman for the former Lehigh Valley Railroad for 52 years. He married Lillian Mae DOTTER, daughter of Edwin Dotter and Annie L. Dotter. Lillian was born 30 May 1903 in Carbon County, PA and died 15 September 1971 in Carbon County, PA. This couple is buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery in Christmans, PA. They had twelve children.
1. Helen Leah Knappenberger was born 15 December 1921 in Unionville, Carbon County, PA and died 6 February 2010 in Lehighton, Carbon County, PA. She married Grover C. SCHAFER who was born 13 January 1917 in Carbon County, PA and died 18 January 1991 in Lehigh County, PA. They had 3 children: Carole Schafer, Diane Schafer and Clinton H. Schafer.
2. Chester Theodore/Theo Knappenberger was born 13 August 1924 in Carbon County, PA and died 1 March 1930 in Carbon County, PA.
3. Victor David Knappenberger was born 26 June 1926 and died 16 November 2007 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He served with the Army during World War II in Japan. He married Dolores Zacharias, daughter of Charles and Ruth Zacharias, on 27 September 1952. Victor retired from Bethlehem Steel in 1984. Victor and Dolores had two children: Larry Knappenberger and Lorrie Knappenberger.
4. Elsie Amelia Knappenberger was born about 1929. She married William C. GULDNER who was born 26 September 1929 in PA and died July 1981 in Carbon County, PA.
5. Clinton Ray Knappenberger, Jr. was born 15 February 1931 in Carbon County, PA and died 26 June 1934 in Carbon County, PA. He was buried in Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery in Christmans, PA.
6. Josephine Mae Knappenberger married Charles Nelson MECKES, Sr. who was born 15 April 1920 in Carbon County, PA and died 26 May 2001 in Lehigh County, PA. They had 3 children: Stanley Allen Meckes, Charles Nelson Meckes, Jr., and Joann Mae Meckes.
7. Luther Daniel Knappenberger was born 29 May 1934 in Carbon County and died 3 September 2001 in Carbon County, PA. He married Elaine Emma KRESGE. They had 4 children: Barbara Knappenberger, Kenneth Luther Knappenberger, Ricky Lee Knappenberger and Gary Daniel Knappenberger.
8. Kathryn Knappenberger married Gordon F. HELMER, son of Willard Helmer and grandson of Henry Helmer. Gordon was born 13 January 1936 and died 6 April 1979. Kathryn and Gordon had five children: Gordon Helmer, Frank Helmer, Bobby Helmer, Barry Helmer and Terry Helmer. She then married Glenn O’BRIAN.
9. Arlene Knappenberger married G. DAVENPORT. They had one daughter, Karen Davenport. Arlene later married Richard C. WEAVER who was born 19 May 1942 and died 2 April 2004. They had 3 children: Kathy Weaver, Kim Weaver and Timothy Weaver.
10. Shirley Knappenberger married Curtis GOMBERT and had four children: Connie Gombert, Donna Gombert, Holly Gombert and Randy Gombert.
11. Gladys Knappenberger married Earl RIMBEY.
12. Sterling Knappenberger.
HARRY L. KNAPPENBERGER (1902-1931)
Harry L. was born 25 July 1902 in Christmans, Carbon County, PA and died 1931 in Carbon County, PA. He married Mabel SMITH who was born 16 July 1905 in North Weissport, Carbon County, PA and died 17 October 1963. Harry is buried at Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery. Harry and Mabel had three children. Mabel remarried after Harry’s death and had two more children.
1. Earl Franklin Knappenberger was born 15 September 1923 and died 16 December 1996 in Carbon County, PA. He served with the 9th Army Air Force, 47th Station Complement Squadron in Europe during World War II. He married Helen Grace SENSINGER who was born 24 December 1916 and died July 1986. They had a daughter: Melody Knappenberger.
2. Clifford James Knappenberger was born 11 November 1925 in Carbon County, PA and died 24 March 1993. He fought with the US Army in World War II from 1944 to 1946. He married Catherine G. MAROUCHOC known as “Kitty” in 1943. Kitty was born 9 January 1924 in Nesquehoning, PA and died 4 June 2000 in Lehigh County, PA. They had three children: Darlene C. Knappenberger, Bonnie Knappenberger and Clifford James Knappenberger.
3. Eleanor Leona Knappenberger was born 1928 and married James Joseph NARDOZZI in 1948. They had two children: Mary Ann Nardozzi and James Nardozzi.
CHESTER G. KNAPPENBERGER (1904-?)
Chester G. was born 16 June 1904 in Carbon County, PA. Chester married Susanna Louisa GOWER, daughter of Adam Gower and Emily Keiper, on 1 March 1929 in East Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, PA. Susanna was born 28 November 1907 in Carbon County, PA and died in 1952. This couple had no children.
A child by the name of EDITH MAY KNAPPENBERGER lived down the street from the James Henry Knappenberger family in the 1920 census and is listed as 11 months old. She is living in the household of Stewart and Emma Meckes and is listed as their grandchild. Her mother was Jennie Agnes Meckes (1896-1984) who later married Ulysses S. Green (1887-1973). Edith was listed as 11 years of age in the 1930 census living with her mother, her stepfather Ulysses Sidney Green. and twin half sisters Helen and Arlene Green who later married and became Helen Rohn and Arlene Rohn. She also had a half brother, Willard Andrews, and a half sister, Ruth Andrews who married a Mr. White. Edith was born February 1919 and died prior to 1984. Edith Knappenberger aka Edith Green later married a Mr. White. We do not know who her father was at this time. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
SPECIAL THANKS
Clara E. Balliet
Ray Barrall
Dale Berger
Elizabeth Everett
Jonathan Knappenberger
Tom Knappenberger
Jaimee Pettit
Susan Ratcliffe Ritter
Lori Schafer
Susan Knappenberger Wallace
Gene Knappenberger
Nancy and Jay Knappenberger
Carol Zimmerman Harris
Would you care to share more information about your family? If so, contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.