GEORGE W. KNAPPENBERGER
FAMILY OF McDONOUGH COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Updated January 2024
Johan Michael
(1709-1751)
V
Conrad
(1748-1818)
V
John
(1774-1863)
V
Henry
(1798-1854)
V
George W.
(1827-1897)
V
Henry (1851-1918) > 3 Children
Francis J. “Frank” (1853-1903) > 9 Children
John (1855-?)
Ella May (1858-1937) > 1 Child
Charles D. (1860-1940) > 8 Children
Iva Belle (1864-1941) > 4 Children
George Berton (1865-1932) > 1 Child
Clarence A. (1867-1940) > 2 Children
Harvey Chase (1871-1949) > 3 Children
GENERAL INFORMATION
George W. Knappenberger was born 3 August 1827 in Manordale, Westmoreland County, PA and died 4 September 1897 in Good Hope, McDonough County, Illinois. He married Marjorie “Lavina” LENHART, daughter of Abraham Lenhart and Sarah Byerly, on 17 March 1850 in Westmoreland County, PA. Lavina was born 20 December 1828 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 1 January 1907 in Good Hope, McDonough County, Illinois. This couple is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. When George first arrived in McDonough County, Illinois around 1856, he was a carpenter by trade and then bought a farm ¾ miles southeast of Sciota, McDonough County, Illinois. His obituary stated “…For a number of years he followed the trade of carpenter and built a number of the commodious farm houses in the north part of the county, which were erected along in the last of the 50’s. He then purchased the land upon which he made one of the most productive farms in the county. He was industrious, honest and economical, without being stingy, and amassed a competency for his old age.” George and Lavina had nine children.
George W. Knappenberger
[photo graciously provided
by George Wanamaker – son of
Harriet Nan Knappenberger Wanamaker]
CHILDREN
HENRY KNAPPENBERGER, MD (1851-1918)
Henry K. Knappenberger, MD was born 6 February 1851 in Harrison City, Westmoreland County, PA and died 1 July 1918 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. Henry taught school for awhile and then went into medicine and was a doctor of internal medicine after graduating from Rush Medical College in 1881 and attending post graduate course in medicine in New York City. Henry was associated with the Marietta Phelps Hospital of Macomb. Henry married Anna Elizabeth SMITH, daughter of William F. Smith and Mary B. Farrar, on 7 September 1881 in McDonough County, Illinois. Anna was born 26 June 1859 in Pepperell, MA. She died 28 September 1941 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. This couple is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb, Illinois. Henry’s obituary reads in part, “In his death Macomb loses one of her oldest and best physicians, and a highly respected and esteemed resident and citizen. Dr. Knappenberger was a man of strict honesty and firm business principles and had won the confidence and respect of thousands of his clients and others during the years of his practice in Macomb.” Henry and Anna had three sons.
Dr. Henry Knappenberger
[photo graciously provided by
George Wanamaker and Jim Tate]
1. Theodore Gaillard Knappenberger, MD was born 3 February 1883 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 14 September 1954 in Champaign, Illinois. He married GraceMargaret GALLION, daughter of Valentine and Julia W. Gallion, on 7 June 1910 in Cook County, Illinois Gracewas born July 1886 in St. Joseph, Champaign County, Illinois and died February 1951 inChampaign County, Illinois. According to the 1920 census, Grace’s parents were born in Virginia. This couple is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Champaign, Illinois. They had one son.
a. Theodore Gaillard Knappenberger, Jr. was born 18 June 1911 in Cook County, Illinois and died 19 August 1988 in Champaign, Illinois and is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery. T. Gaillard, Jr. was an attorney. He married Jill PITTS (born Margaret Frances Pitts), daughter of John Joseph Pitts and Margaret Leach, on 3 Jan 1953 in McLean County, Ilinois. They had no children. Jill Pitts Knappenberger served our nation during World War II with the American Red Cross in Europe.
2. George Emmett Knappenberger, MD was born 17 July 1884 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 25 October 1954 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. He married Agnes Nan KETTRON on 27 January 1911 in Aetna, Indiana. Agnes was born 1888 in Illinois and died 10 July 1962 in McDonough County, Illinois. Agnes’ parents were born in Scotland according to the 1920 census They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, McDonough County, Illinois. They had a daughter.
a. Kathryn Knappenberger was born 3 November 1911 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 6 March 2003 in Sedona, Coconino County, Arizona. She married Car lMertz FLIESSBACH, son of Carl Herman and Catherine Fliessbach, on 2 September 1941 in Cook County, Illinois. Carl was born 6 September 1910 in Ohio and died at the age of 99 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona on 15 April 2010. They had one son: John Carl.
3. Harry Farrar Knappenberger was born February 1891 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois and died 15 August 1955 in McDonough County, Illinois. Harry married Faye Elizabeth SMITH, daughter of James C. and Lucy Smith, on 10 May 1917 in McDonough County, Illinois. Faye was born August 1889 in Kansas and died October 1970 in McDonough County, Illinois. They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. Harry was an alderman for about 20 years in the Macomb Third Ward. He was in the frozen food and locker business for 16 years. They had two daughters.
Harry Farrar Knappenberger
[photos graciously provided
by George Wanamaker and Jim Tate]
a. Marcia Luan Knappenberger was born 7 March 1918 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 18 May 1998 in Cook County, Illinois. She is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Luann was a Lt. in the US Navy during World War II. She married Edward Everett “Bud” TATE on 25 August 1951. Bud was born 13 October 1919. They had 4 children.
b. Harriet Nan Knappenberger was born 28 August 1919 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 3 April 2005 in Quincy, Adams County, Illinois. She married George Byron WANAMAKERR III, son of George Byron Wanamaker II, on 26 December 1945. George was born 24 October 1908 in San Diego County, California. They had 3 children: George IV, Karen and Charles. Harriet later married Stanley J. FISHER who was born 6 December 1918 and died 15 March 1999 in McDonough County, Illinois. All 3 are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb County, Illinois.
FRANCIS JEREMIAH “FRANK” KNAPPENBERGER (1853-1903)
Francis J. known as “Frank” was born 10 August 1853 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 19 January 1903 in Penalosa, Kingman County, Kansas. Frank married Mary Belle HAINLINE known as “Belle”, daughter of Solomon D. Hainline and Margaret Brauhaman, on 8 October 1878 in McDonough County, Illinois. Belle was born 18 February 1859 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 24 February 1951 in Kingman County, Kansas. This couple is buried in Lerado Cemetery, Reno County, Kansas. They had nine children. Frank and Belle’s grandson, Jay Knappenberger, privately published a history of the family in 2000 entitled, “Frank and Belle Knappenberger: A Biography” – available through the Family Search website.
1. Bertha Baun Knappenberger was born 22 July 1879 in Blandinsville, McDonough County, Illinois and died 27 May 1962 in Kingman County, Kansas. Bertha married Henry Edgar HASKINS, MD known as “Harry”, son of Dr. Milton “Henry” and Mamie L. Pearson, on 20 September 1903 in Penalosa, Kansas. Harry was born 18 September 1878 in McPherson County, Kansas and died 1 February 1957 in Kingman County, Kansas. This couple is buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Kingman County, Kansas. Bertha and Harry had a daughter.
a. Mary Eleanor Haskins was born 6 August 1910 in Kingman County, Kansas and died 13 May 1979 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. She married Clarence William SCHUMACHER 29 January 1939 in Kingman Kansas. Clarence known as “Schu” was born 12 May 1910 in Larned, Kansas and died 9 May 1996 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. Theyare buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Kingman, Kansas. They had two daughters.
2. Marna Knappenberger was born 21 June 1881 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 7 May 1886 in McDonough County, Illinois. Her grave marker reads that she was the daughter of F.J. & Bell and died at the age of 4 years, 10 months and 16 days old.
3. Jessie Dale Knappenberger was born 1 July 1883 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 27 August 1978 in Del Norte, Rio Grande County, Colorado. Jessie married James Parker RUSSELL known as “Park” on 14 November 1905 in Kingman County, Kansas. Park was born 23 November 1880 in Pennsylvania and died1958 in Colorado – where he and Jessie moved in 1919. Park was in the banking business. This family is buried in the Del Norte Cemetery, Rio Grande County, Colorado. They had one daughter.
a. Thora “Louise” Russell was born 27 August 1908 in Penalosa, Kansas and died 14 June 2007 in Del Norte, Colorado. She was buried in Del Norte Cemetery, Rio Grande County, Colorado.
4. Jacob “Ross” Knappenberger was born 9 September 1886 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 25 August 1965 in Olathe, Kansas. Ross married Clara “Winetta” HEATON, daughter of Joseph and Clara Heaton, on 11 October 1911 in Coats, Kansas. Winetta was born 3 March 1890 in Kansas and died 29 April 1936 in Kingman County, Kansas. This couple is buried in Lerado Cemetery, Reno County, Kansas. Jacob Ross was the twin of Roy C. Knappenberger and Clara was the sister of Mamie Fay Heaton who married Roy [see below]. Ross and Winetta had three children.
a. Joseph Frank Knappenberger, DVM was born 23 August 1912 in Penalosa, Kansas and died 29 January 1992 in Lenexa, Kansas. Dr. Knappenberger was a veterinarian and former president of Haver-Lockhart Laboratories. He married Opal Clara SCHLICKAU, daughter of Albert Schlickau and Florence Wittorf, on 26 December 1935 in Akron, Ohio. Opal was born 10 October 1913 in Haven, Kansas and died 13 April 2006 in Kansas. This couple is buried in Lerado Cemetery, Reno County, Kansas. They had four children.
b. Jack Ross Knappenberger, DVM was born 8 February 1916 in Penalosa, Kingman County, Kansas and died 4 September 1973 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Jack was a veterinarian. He served with the US Army Air Corps during World War II. He became President of Norden Laboratories in 1969 and Chairman of the Board in 1970. Jack married Elisabeth Kerr CHICKERING, daughter of Dr. George and Helen Chickering, on 19 July 1941 in Kansas. Elisabeth was born 24 September 1918 in Hutchinson, Kansas and died 16 June 2010 in Rochester, NY. They had 3 children.
c. Klarbel Knappenberger known as “Kay” was born 1926 in Kingman County, Kansas. Kay married Keith Elery MEADE, son of Earl and Lucy M. Meade on 1 November 1947 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Keith was born 13 October 1922 in Kansas and died 18 June 2016 in Falls Church, Virginia. He served in World War II in Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. They had two daughters.
5. Roy Charles Knappenberger was born 9 September 1886 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 21 October 1951 in Wichita, Kansas. Roy married Mamie “Fay” HEATON, daughter of Joseph Heaton and Clara Heaton, on 17 March 1909 in Coats, Kansas. Faye was born 29 December 1888 in Coats, Kansas and died 8 April 1974 in Wichita, Kansas. This couple is buried in Lerado Cemetery, Reno County, Kansas. Roy and Fay had two children.
a. Margaret “Jeanette” was born 28 February 1910 in Kingman County, Kansas and died 21 March 1974 in Wichita, Kansas. She was buried in Lerado Cemetery. She married Orville Loren SALLEE, son of Samuel Sallee and Ida Belle Waite, on August 1942. This marriage ended in divorce. Orville was born 20 November 1907 in Reno County, Kansas and died 4 March 1988 in Johnson County, Kansas.
b. Roy Charles Knappenberger, Jr., MD was born 17 February 1916 in Penalosa, Kansas. and died 19 October 2004 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He married Cordelia Marie STRAUB, daughter of George Straub and Caroline Gremminger on 19 December 1942 in Benton County, Oregon. Cordelia was a Registered Nurse and was born 1918 in Wisconsin. Dr. Knappenberger served during World War II with the US Army Medical Corps in the Pacific. They had 3 children.
6. George Edwin Knappenberger, Sr, MD known as “Ned” was born 29 March 1888 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 27 December 1948 in La Jolla, California. George first married Gertrude JOHNSON, daughter of Nathanial L. Johnson and Anna F. Jones, about 1911 in Kansas. Gertrude was born 14 March 1891 in Kansas and died 1 September 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri. She is buried in Norton, Kansas. George and Gertrude had a daughter. George served with the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1917-1918 in World War I. In the 1920 census, George is listed as a widower with his daughter, Anabel, living in Kansas City, Missouri. George’s second marriage was to Agnes Drusilla ASKEY, daughter of Charles Francis Askey and Josephine Sellman, on 25 August 1921 in Jackson County, Missouri. Agnes was born 16 February 1891 in Ottawa County, Kansas and died 7 June 1990 in Moundridge, Kansas. George and Agnes had a son.
a. Annabelle Vierra Knappenberger was the daughter of George and Gertrude. She was born 18 February 1913 in Kansas and died in 1980.
b. George Edwin Knappenberger, Jr, DVM was the son of George and Agnes. He was born 1 June 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri and died 17 May 1997 in Hutchinson, Kansas. George married E. Jean STECHER on 14 June 1953 in Haven, Kansas. They had 3 children.
7. Harry Cable Knappenberger was born 6 November 1890 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 22 January 1970 in Kansas City, Missouri. Harry first married Ethel Mae WHEELER, daughter of Jay Wheeler and Emma Moore, on 29 February 1912 in Kingman County, Kansas. Ethel was born 28 February 1892 in Zenda, Kansas and died 2 May 1923 in Kingman County, Kansas. Harry was buried at Walnut Hill Cemetery. Ethel Mae was buried at Lerado Cemetery. Harry and Ethel had one son. After the death of Ethel, Harry Cable Knappenberger married a second time to Jewel Beatrice WHEELER [Ethel’s sister] on 7 December 1924 in Zenda, Kansas. Jewel was born 6 December 1900 in Zenda, Kansas and died 22 May 1983 in Wichita, Kansas. She is buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery. Harry and Jewel had one son.
a. Harry “Clayton” Knappenberger was the son of Harry and Ethel. He was born 24 April 1923 in Penalosa, Kansas and died 6 April 2015 in Plano, Texas. He married Maxine Myrtle SCHUPPENER on 10 July 1948 in Jackson County, Missouri. Maxine was born 17 August 1924 in Stitzer, Wisconsin and died 12 January 2005 in Carrollton, Texas. Clayton served with the Army during World War II. Clayton and Maxine had three children.
b. Francis “Jay” Knappenberger was the son of Harry and Jewel. He was born 3 July 1927 in Kingman County, Kansas and died 13 March 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Mary Ann WEAVER, daughter of Hal Gaylord Weaver and Beaulah Zwanzinger, on 28 May 1949. Mary Ann was born 26 December 1925 in Alma, Kansas and died in Omaha, Nebraska on 4 April 2009. Jay served with the US Navy in World War II. In 2000, Jay privately published a history of his family entitled, “Frank and Belle Knappenberger: A Biography” – available at the Brigham Young University library and viewable in full online at Ex Libris. Jay and Mary Ann had two children.
Francis “Jay” Knappenberger
8. Margaret Lorraine Knappenberger was born 2 March 1896 in Kingman County, Kansas and died 23 July 1986 in Johnson County, Kansas. She married Ralph Chandler BOUCHER, DDS on 10 October 1916 in Kingman County, Kansas. Ralph was born 28 October 1892 in Lawrence County, Missouri and died 3 January 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri. They are buried at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. They had two children.
a. Frank Chandler Boucher known as “Chan” was born in 1925 and married Wanda Joyce STEHLEY on 3 September 1949.
b. Marilyn Boucher was born 19 August 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri and died 24 November 1999 in Overland Park, Kansas. She married James Curtis DALEY in November 1942. Jim was born 15 October 1925 in Missouri and died 29 September 1998 in Kansas. This couple is buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.
9. Ernest Frank Knappenberger known as “Frank” was born 7 January 1900 in Kingman County, Kansas and died 21 September 1956 in Del Norte, Rio Grande County, Colorado. Frank married Marguerite COFFMAN in November 1921 in Colorado. Marguerite was born 6 October 1902 in Denver, Colorado and died December 1986 in Del Norte, Colorado. This couple is buried in the Del Norte Cemetery. They had one daughter.
a. Jean Knappenberger was born 14 September 1922 in Colorado and died 12 November 1999 in Lakewood Colorado. She married Wallace Lincoln NEWBOLD, son of Charles A. Newbold and Georgia E. Bullock. Wallace was born 29 May 1923 in Arkansas and died 7 April 1995 in Colorado.
JOHN KNAPPENBERGER (1855-?)
John was born about 1855 and died before 1860 as a child in McDonough County, Illinois. We are unsure whether he was born in Westmoreland County, PA or McDonough County, Illinois.
ELLA MAY KNAPPENBERGER (1858-1937)
Ella May was born 21 May 1858 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 17 March 1937 in Good Hope, McDonough County, Illinois. Ella married George Washington STAPP, son of Rev. James W. Stapp and Mahala Y. Guy, on 18 January 1882 in McDonough County, Illinois. George was born 15 January 1857 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 31 January 1929 there. They are buried in Good Hope Cemetery. They had one daughter.
1. Nellie Blanche Stapp known as “Blanche” was born 28 November 1882 in McDonough County, Illinois and died there 14 January 1944. She married Simeon Cassius NOPPER, son of Lewis and Alice Nopper, about 1906. Simeon was born 3 September 1877 in Illinois and died September 1964 in McDonough County, Illinois. They are buried in Good Hope Cemetery. They had two children.
a. Eleanore A. Nopper known as “Daisy” was born 12 June 1914 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 13 October 1998 there. She married Virgil S. MORLEY known as “Dutch”, son of Wheeler Morley and Wilmetta Thomas on 7 January 1933. Virgil was born 8 May 1909 in McDonough County, IL and died there 26 November 2003. They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
b. George S. Nopper was born 31 January 1919 in McDonough County, Illinois and died Harlingen, Texas. He married Maxine WOOLAM on 1 February 1940. George is buried in Good Hope Cemetery.
CHARLES D. KNAPPENBERGER (1860-1940)
Charles D. was born 17 July 1860 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 12 February 1940 in McDonough County, Illinois. He married Sarah “Anna” FAUL, daughter of Philip and Hannah Faul, on 23 February 1887 in Good Hope, McDonough County, Illinois. Anna was born 27 June 1867 in Ohio and died 24 June 1959 in McDonough County, Illinois. This couple is buried in Good Hope Cemetery in McDonough County, Illinois. They had eight children.
1. Carl G. Knappenberger was born December 1887 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 1912 in McDonough County, Illinois. He is buried in Good Hope Cemetery, McDonough County, Illinois.
2. Claude Ernest Knappenberger was born 4 October 1889 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 7 October 1989 in Orange County, California. Claude married Una MUSTAIN who was born 7 July 1891 in Illinois and died 11 October 1974 in Orange County, California. Claude and Una had a daughter.
a. Naomi Knappenberger was born 1915 and died 18 March 1916 in Blandinsville, McDonough County, Illinois. Naomi is buried in Glade City Cemetery in McDonough County, Illinois.
3. Glenn Arthur Knappenberger was born 11 September 1891 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 11 November 1978 in McDonough County, Illinois. Glenn married Grace Marie MARSDON, daughter of Frances N. and Laura E. Marsdon, in December 1915 in Illinois. Grace was born 20 February 1894 in Illinois and died 11 May 1989 in McDonough County, Illinois. Glenn and Grace had one daughter.
a. Martha Jean Knappenberger was born 25 July 1922 and died 29 October 2002 in Illinois. Martha Jean first married Edwin Franklin SHANKS (31 July 1921 in Illinois- 7 October 1999 in California). This marriage ended in divorce. They had three children. She married Newton Max SIMPSON (6 November 1924 in Illinois-31 May 2000 Illinois) in 1967.
4. Fern Knappenberger was born September 1893 in McDonough County, Illinois and died in 1973. Nothing further is known about her at this time.
5. Herman Roscoe Knappenberger was born 16 October 1895 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 5 June 1933 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery. Herman was in the Army during World War I. He married Wilma MAHARRY, daughter of Josiah David Maharry and Naomi Jane Creel, who was born about 1902 in Illinois. They lived in San Bernardino County, California in the late 1920s where their son, Kenneth Eugene, was born 3 August 1929. In the 1930 census, this family was living again in Blandinsville, McDonough County, Illinois with Herman’s parents. They moved to Tucson, Arizona about 1931 most likely due to Herman’s tuberculosis. They had one son.
a. Kenneth Eugene Knappenberger was born 3 August 1929 in San Bernardino County, CA and died 12 September 2002 in Springfield, Lane County, Oregon. He married Eva Marie ZELENY, daughter of Charles Zeleny and Frances Pecha on 21 January 1962. Eva was born 11 June 1920 in Nebraska and died 3 March 2007 in Springfield, Lane County, Oregon. They had a son, Kurt Knappenberger.
6. Ruth Knappenberger was born 1 July 1897 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 1915 in McDonough County, Illinois. She was buried in Good Hope Cemetery.
7. Louis Lee Knappenberger, Sr. was born 11 August 1901 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 12 August 1975 in Orange County, California. Louis first married Evalene [maiden name unknown] who was born about 1907 in Illinois. He later married Margaret FENTON who was born in Pennsylvania. This marriage ended in divorce. Louis and Margaret had a son.
a. Louis Lee Knappenberger, Jr.
8. Keith Fred Knappenberger was born 22 December 1904 in Sciota, McDonough County, Illinois and died 19 May 1995 in Lewisville, Denton County, Texas. Keith married Darlyne Elizabeth RUDDELL who was born 17 February 1906 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 23 December 1986 in Montgomery County, Texas. This couple is buried in Garden Park Cemetery, Conroe, Texas. Keith and Darlyne had 3 children.
a. Elizabeth Ann Knappenberger who married Lawrence W. COWDERY, son of Harry M. Cowdery and Ina Wilson. Lawrence was born 6 April 1924 and died 14 May 1995.
b. Charles Reginald Knappenberger was born 11 Feb 1931 in Arkansas and died 2 September 2023 in Texas. He married Doris June CLUCK, daughter of Belmont C. Cluck and Myrtle Ann Small. Doris was born 19 May 1933 and died 5 February 2009. They had a son: Charles Mark Knappenberger
c. Richard Keith Knappenberger.
IVA BELLE KNAPPENBERGER (1864-1941)
Iva Belle was born 12 June 1864 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 8 April 1941 in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California. She married John Edgar BONWELL, son of Smith Bonwell and Elizabeth Countryman, on 23 June 1886 in McDonough County, Illinois. John Bonwell was born 8 March 1853 in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio and died 23 December 1930 in Wyandotte, Kansas. This marriage ended in divorce. This couple had four children.
1. Nella May Bonwell was born 2 June 1887 in Henderson County, Illinois and died 23 January 1964 in Cowley County, Kansas. Nella married John Edward HEARD on 31 December 1912 in Cowley County, Kansas. John was born 22 March 1879 in Ashtabula County, Ohio and died 29 May 1950 in Cowley County, Kansas. This couple is buried in Riverview Cemetery, Arkansas City, Kansas. They had 2 daughters.
a. Mary Arlene Heard was born 25 October 1913 in Cowley County, Kansas and died 20 December 1961 in Cowley County, Kansas. She married Dodson O. GIVENS who was born 2 August 1910 and died 30 November 1996. She later married W.M. BOYER.
b. Helen Elizabeth Heard was born 23 October 1918 in Cowley County, Kansas and died in Columbus, Ohio on 18 June 1996. She married David Edwin YOUNG on 25 April 1942. David was the son of Edwin Simmons Young and Edith Christine Link. He was born 14 April 1918 in Illinois.
2. Cora Ethel Bonwell was born 24 May 1889 in Henderson County, Illinois and died 12 August 1924 in Deer Lodge County, Montana. Cora married Roy CANTRELL on 12 September 1910 in Cowley County, Kansas. Roy died 12 August 1924 in Anaconda, Deer Lodge County, Montana. This couple died in a house fire. They were buried in Winfield, Kansas. They had no children.
3. John Edgar Bonwell II was born 4 May 1892 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 24 December 1963 in Alameda County, California. John first married Marvelle Elizabeth WHITE, daughter of Lincoln and Georgiana White, on 8 August 1918 in San Francisco, California. Marvelle was born 12 October 1898 and died 10 April 1979. This marriage ended in divorce. John and Marvelle had one daughter. John’s second marriage was to Gladys Ellen PATRICK on 29 September 1928 in Jackson County, Oregon. Gladys was born 7 May 1904 in Tehama County, California and died 27 January 1986 in Alameda County, California. John and Gladys had a son.
a. Virginia Bonwell, daughter of John and Marvelle, was born 1919 in Solano County, California. She first married Earnest Howard PORTER in 1943 who died about 1945 in World War II with the US Air Force. Virginia married Harold McKINNON about 1948.
b. John Edgar Bonwell III was the son of John and Gladys.
4. Elizabeth Winnogene Bonwell was born 29 March 1897 in McDonough County, Illinois. She first married Robert Howard BARD, Sr. and had a son.
a. Robert Howard Bard, Jr. was born 5 June 1916 in Kansas and died 26 September 1994 in Los Angeles County, California. Elizabeth then married R.N. SHEFFLER and later married Jack HECK.
GEORGE BERTON “BERT” KNAPPENBERGER (1865-1932)
George Berton known as “Bert” was born 1865 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 21 November 1932 in McDonough County, Illinois. Bert married Mary Belle SHOUSE, daughter of Richard L. and Mary J. Shouse, on 26 November 1890 in McDonough County, Illinois. Mary known as “Mae” was born about 1866 in Kentucky and died 27 April 1948 in McDonough County, Illinois. This couple is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. In the 1930 census, Bert was a merchant. Bert and Mary had one son.
1. Richard Ray Knappenberger was born 9 March 1892 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 12 December 1918 in Peoria, Illinois. Marriage records indicate that he married Rubey BROWN on 12 August 1912 in St. Louis, Missouri. Ruby was born about 1893. We know nothing further on this marriage. Other sources indicate that he married Betty MITCHELL/PARKER who was born 1893 and died 1972. There are no records for any children from this marriage. In 1917 he was working as an electrician for Central Electric in Peoria, Illinois. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, McDonough County, Illinois.
CLARENCE A. KNAPPENBERGER (1867-1940)
Clarence A. known as “C.A.” was born September 1867 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 31 January 1940 in LaHarpe, Illinois. He first married Carrie BANKS, daughter of William and Caroline Banks. Carrie was born 1869 most likely in Van Buren County, Iowa and died 1908 in Illinois. This couple is buried in LaHarpe Cemetery. They had two children. Clarence married a second time to Susannah MAYNARD, daughter of Louis and Jennie K. Maynard. Susan was born 1878 in Henderson County, Illinois and died in 1923. In 1930, Clarence is listed as a widow and a druggist in Dallas City, Illinois living in his sister-in-law’s house, Ruth Maynard.
1. Marjorie Lavinia Knappenberger was born October 1896 and died 1950 in Hancock County, Illinois. Marjorie married Harold Raymond GRACEY, son of James and Alice Gracey, in April 1917. Harold was born 23 October 1898 in Hancock County, Illinois and died February 1986 in Dallas City, Hancock County, Illinois. They had five children.
a. Virginia Carolyn Gracey was born 10 August 1918 in Dallas City, IL and died 21 January 2009 in Stronghurst, IL. She married George William KAMINSKI on 4 July 1937. George was born 15 February 1917 in Weaver, Iowa and died 28 March 1994 in Dallas City, Illinois. They had 3 children.
b. Raemah Kathleen Gracey was born 26 September 1921 and died in 1964. She married Edward C. BRITTON who was born 1918. This marriage ended in divorce. They had a daughter.
c. Wanda Lee Gracey was born 27 September 1926 in Hancock County, Illinois and died 1955. She married Harry D. STANLEY on 7 November 1949. Harry was born 22 June 1915 and died 2 April 1994. They had 2 children.
d. Marjorie Louise Gracey was born 31 March 1929in Hancock County, Illinois and died 24 December 2009 in West Burlington, Illinois. She married Glen Albert McBRIDE on 8 May 1948. Glen was born 19 October 1927 and died 31 October 1959. Marjorie then married Robert WEESE on 12 November 1972.
e. Harold Raymond Gracey, Jr. was born 9 January 1934 in Hancock County, Illinois and died January 1999 in Dallas City, Hancock County, Illinois. Harold married Shirley Ann LIVINGSTON on 9 December 1954. They had 2 children.
2. Lloyd W. Knappenberger was born 17 June 1900 in Illinois and died 27 February 1987 in Hancock County, Illinois. He was a long time pharmacist in Dallas City, Hancock County, Illinois and a veteran of World War II. Lloyd never married.
HARVEY CHASE KNAPPENBERGER (1871-1949)
Harvey Chase was born April 1871 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 6 April 1949 in McDonough County, Illinois. Harvey died in a car accident and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, McDonough County, Illinois. Harvey married Olive RHINEHART, daughter of Demos and Sarah Rhinehart, about 1900 in Illinois. Olive known as “Olie” was born November 1878 in Sciota Township, McDonough County, Illinois and died 1948 in California. They had three children.
1. Lolita Maurine Knappenberger was born 5 June 1903 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 13 September 1958 in Fort Worth, Texas. Lolita married Leonard GRIFFIN, DC, son of Clara Griffin Monger. Leonard was born 22 November 1903 in LaHarpe, Illinois and died February 1998 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. They are buried in Laurel Land Memorial Park, Tarrant County, Texas. They had two children: Joanne Griffin and Robert E. Griffin.
2. Burdette R. Knappenberger was born 19 July 1908 inMcDonough County, Illinois and died18 December 2002 in McDonough County, Illinois. Burdette married Kathryn TUMEY, daughter of William Harrison Tumey and Anna Brown, on 27 January 1936 in Chicago, Illinois. Kathryn was born 19 March 1910 in Good Hope, McDonough County, Illinois and died 12 November 1994 in McDonough County, Illinois. This family is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. This couple had two children.
a. Jon Scott Knappenberger was born 20 January 1938 and died 18 September 1955 in McDonough County, Illinois from a car accident.
b. Shirley Kay Knappenberger was born 20 February 1941 in Macomb, Illinois and died 1 November 1994 in Mundelein, Illinois. She is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Shirley married Joseph STERLING on 18 July 1964 in Chicago, Illinois.
3. Harvey Dean Knappenberger known as “Dean” was born 13 March 1918 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 10 October 2001 in Maricopa County, Arizona. He married Josephine Mae FORRESTER on 28 December 1939 in Jacksonville, Illinois. They had two children: Gary Dean Knappenberger and Gail Mercer Knappenberger.
SPECIAL THANKS
• Francis “Jay” Knappenberger
• Kristin Kaminski
• Chris Pasek
• Burdette Knappenberger(1908-2002). In memory of Burdette)
• Marion Bonwell
• Jill Pitts Knappenberger
• Edward “Bud” Tate
• Elizabeth Cowdery
• Jack Nasep
• Steve Laymon
• Gary Knappenberger
• Paul Knappenberger
• Donna Hinshaw Knappenberger
• Bob Griffin
• Richard Knappenberger
• Charles Knappenberger
• Louise Russell
• Karen Burnham
• Faye Marie Knappenberger Halpern
If you would like further information on this family or can share further information, please contact us jsappleton@windstream.net.