JACOB KNAPPENBERGER
OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY
Johan Michael
(1709-1751)
V
Conrad
(1748-1818)
V
J Philip
(1783-1867)
V
John
(1809-1885)
V
Jacob
(1836-1922)
V
Lydia Maria (1861-1892) > 6 Children
Christopher (1862-1862)
Malinda Alice (1863-1944) > 3 Children
Margaret Lucinda (1865-1886)
Mary Belle (1867-1957) > 10 Children
John Hester (1869-1939) > 5 Children
Cetta May (1871-1892)
Nancy Catherine (1873-1952) > 7 Children
George Marlin (1875-1931) > 4 Children
Emmitt Josiah (1878-1968) > 8 Children
Elida Zee (1883-1958) >3 Children
GENERAL INFORMATION
Jacob was born 17 February 1836 and died 3 May 1922 in Armstrong County, PA. Jacob was a farmer, carpenter and shoemaker. He married Sarah Ann MILLER, daughter of John and Lydia Miller, about 1859. Sarah was born 17 August 1839 and died 7 August 1894 in Armstrong County, PA. Sarah was the sister of Matilda Mary Miller who married Jacob’s brother, Samuel Augustus Knappenberger. Jacob’s and Sarah’s home was a farm of approximately 125 acres near Stoney Point School – north of Girty in Armstrong County, PA. They are buried in Mt. Union Lutheran Church Cemetery, Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County, PA. Jacob and Sarah had eleven children.
Jacob Knappenberger Family,
17 February 1906
[belongs to Apollo Area Historical Society]
* photo possibly taken prior to 1906
Children of Jacob Knappenberger.
Written on the back of this photo is,
“Mother, Nancy (1873-1952), Cetta
(1871-1892), Marlin (1875-1931),
Joe (1878-1968)”
* person noted as “mother” may be
is Elida Zee Knappenberger
(youngest child) born 1883
L to R Elida Zee Knappenberger,
Jacob Knappenberger,
John Hester Knappenberger,
Josiah Emmitt “Joe” Knappenberger
[photo graciously provided by
Dorothy Hamilton Knepshield]
Jacob Knappenberger’s Farm,
Girty, Armstrong County, PA
[photo taken in the 1980s]
Jacob Knappenberger and, his wife,
Sarah Ann [Miller] Knappenberger
Mount Union Church Cemetery,
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
[photos graciously provided by Sue Appleton]
CHILDREN
LYDIA MARIA KNAPPENBERGER (1861-1892)
Lydia Maria was born 23 February 1861 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 18 December 1893 in Freeport, Armstrong County, PA. She married Josiah Franklin CLINE who was known as “Joseph”. Joseph, son of Bernard and Esther Cline, was born 9 October 1856 in Freeport, Armstrong County, PA and died 20 March 1942 in Slippery Rock, Butler County, PA. They are buried in Freeport Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA. They had six children.
1. Sarah Jane Cline was born 10 August 1882 in Parks Twp., Armstrong County, PA and died 7 July 1948 in Westmoreland County, PA. She married Frank Patrick COSTELLO who was born September 1876 and died May 1949.
2. Lydia Belle Cline known as “Belle” was born 12 August 1884 in Leechburg, Armstrong County, PA and died 3 July 1970 in Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, PA. Belle married Lemuel Moses SMITH who was born 4 May 1884 in Pittsburgh, PA and died January 1974 in New Kensington, Westmoreland County, PA. They had 4 children.
a. Cline Chauncey Smith born 20 October 1908 in Huntington, West Virginia. He first married Phyllis WESTBROOK who died 26 March 1939. He then married Eva Irene ARTHUR, daughter of Lloyd Eugene Arthur and Sarah Ruth Shearer on 10 January 1940. Eva was born 1919 in Allegheny County, PA.
b. Robert Franklin Smith, Sr. was born 29 November 1909 in Leechburg, Armstrong County, PA and died 9 May 1919 in Natrona Heights, Allegheny County, PA. He married Marie Barbara BECK, daughter of George M. Becky and Mary Macoby on 4 November 1938. Marie was born 1918 in Allegheny County, PA.
c. Florence Smith was born 1913 in Creighton, Allegheny County, PA. She married Charles H. LEMMON, son of C.M. Lemmon and Nannie B. Croyle on 3 April 1933. Charles was born 3 October 1910 in Armstrong County, PA and died 10 March 1993 in New Mexico.
d. Harold E. Smith born about 1915 in PA. He married Catherine HEALEY.
3. Lillian May Cline was born 6 February 1886 in Armstrong County, PA and died 3 September 1887 in Armstrong County, PA. She is buried in Freeport Cemetery.
4. Clare Ellwood Cline was born 13 April 1889 in Armstrong County, PA and died 10 October 1977 in Worthington, Armstrong County, PA. Clare Ellwood served in World War I. Clare married Vergie Etta EDWARDS, daughter of Wesley Edwards and Elizabeth Jane “Jennie” Anthony, on 4 June 1917. Vergie was born 8 September 1892 in Armstrong County, PA and died 14 October 1977 in Allegheny County, PA. This couple had no children and are buried in Lawn Haven, Worthington, PA. Vergie Etta Edwards is a sister to Ella Jane Edwards who married Joseph Emmitt Knappenberger [see below].
5. Clyde Orr Cline was born 13 April 1889 in Armstrong County, PA and was the twin of Clare Ellwood. Clyde died 13 February 1976 in Armstrong County, PA. Clyde served in the Army during World War I. Clyde married Anna Mae WIEDENER who was born 23 March 1902 and died 7 November 1992 in Armstrong County, PA. This couple had 6 children and are buried in Freeport Cemetery. Their six children are: Homer Alton Cline (1927) , Anna Belle Cline(1931), Betty Jane Cline (1932 – 2018) , Bertha Marie Cline (1932 – 2004) , Jacob Barney Cline (1937)and Virginia Dare Cline (1942).
6. Earl Franklin Cline was born 1 December 1893 in Armstrong County, PA and died 7 September 1937 in Armstrong County, PA. He seemingly never married.
CHRISTOPHER KNAPPENBERGER (1862-1862)
Christopher was born 12 December 1862 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 12 December 1862 in Armstrong County, PA.
MALINDA ALICE KNAPPENBERGER (1863-1944)
Malinda Alice was born 1 November 1863 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 1944 in Armstrong County, PA. She married Benjamin Franklin BLACKBURN, son of Benjamin and Sarah Blackburn (both born in England), on 22 January 1901. Benjamin Franklin was born 29 July 1862 in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and died 1937 in Armstrong County, PA. They are buried in Freeport Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA. This couple had three children.
1. Benjamin Franklin Blackburn, Jr. born 3 February 1904 and died 3 February 1904 in Armstrong County, PA. He is buried in Freeport Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA
2. Charles Knappenberger Blackburn was born 3 May 1905 in Armstrong County, PA and died 6 July 1975 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA Charles married Mary Matilda BYERS, daughter of Adam Sylvester Byers and Mamie Etta Smail, in 1931. Mary was born 6 August 1908 and died 17 June 2002 in Westmoreland County, PA. This couple had 3 children: Edith Malinda Blackburn who married Wilbert Eugene SMITH (12 February 1931-6 July 1984), Mildred Irene Blackburn (25 January 1935-26 October 2008) who married James MEANS, and Melvin Charles Blackburn who married Marlene MURRAY.
3. Sarah Ann Blackburn born 3 June 1906 and died 4 June 1906 in Armstrong County, PA. She is buried in Freeport Cemetery.
MARGARET LUCINDA KNAPPENBERGER (1865-1886)
Margaret Lucinda was born 29 November 1865 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 17 September 1886 in Armstrong County, PA. She was unmarried when she died and was buried in Mt. Union Lutheran Church Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA. Her gravestone states she was 20 years old, 9 months and 13 days old at her death.
MARY BELLE KNAPPENBERGER (1867-1957)
Mary Belle known as “Belle” was born 18 August 1867 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 12 March 1957 in Rearick’s Fording, Armstrong County, PA. She married Daniel Ellsworth FLICKINGER, son of James Wilson Flickinger and Elizabeth E. Young, on 25 August 1892. Daniel was born 23 February 1864 in Armstrong County, PA and died 27 September 1946 in Armstrong County, PA. They are buried in Mt. Zion Methodist Church Cemetery, South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA. This couple had ten children.
Mary Belle Knappenberger, and,
husband, Daniel Ellsworth Flickinger,
Pennsylvania, Circa 1910
FIRST ROW 4th Girl: Nellie Marie Flickinger
MIDDLE ROW 6th Girl: Grace Elizabeth Flickinger
MIDDLE ROW 9th Boy: “Bud” Flickinger
MIDDLE ROW 10th Boy: Roy Wilbur Flickinger
[photos graciously provided by Lisa McMunn Woods]
1. Grace Elizabeth Flickinger was born 9 January 1893 in Kiski Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 2 August 1978 in Butler County, PA. She married Alexander STOREY, son of Alexander and Mary Storey, in September 1915. Alex was born 22 December 1892 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 13 March 1956 in Pittsburgh, PA. They are buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, PA. They had 4 children.
a. James Edgar Storey was born 16 June 1916 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 25 October 1965 in Avonmore, Westmoreland County, PA. He married Helen DUNMIRE on 12 November 1937. Helen was born 15 November 1918 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 1 February 1991.
b. Mary “Ruth” Storey was born 31 March 1918 in Westmoreland County, PA. She married Daniel Edison STITT II known as “Edis” on 14 may 1937. Edis was born 2 June 1918 in Apollo, Armstrong County, PA and died 26 June 2006 in Butler County, PA.
c. Harold Dalton Storey was born 4 May 1920 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 18 March 1944 in France during World War II. He married Janet WELLS in August 1943 in Tucson, Arizona.
d. Lois Jean Storey was born 30 June 1925 in Vandergrift, PA and died 9 August 1970. She married Eugene R. BLYSTONE in September 1948. Eugene known as “Kelly” was the son of Charles E. Blystone and Bessie Mae Rumbaugh. He was born 22 December 1918 in Armstrong County, PA and died 17 August 2005 in Erie, PA.
2. Leda Ann Flickinger was born 20 March 1894 in Armstrong County, PA and died 11 September 1904 in Armstrong County, PA. She was buried in Mt. Zion Methodist Church Cemetery.
3. Nellie Marie Flickinger was born 16 August 1897 in Armstrong County, PA and died 19 July 1973 in Armstrong County, PA. Nellie married Harvey Raymond PORTER, son of John Porter and Sally Riggle, on 19 January 1926 in Elderton, PA. Harvey was born 3 July 1897 in Parks Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 19 January 1990 in Allegheny County, PA. They are buried at Greenwood Memorial Park, Westmoreland County, PA. They had 5 children.
a. Gladys Eleanor Porter who married Raymond Stuart McMUNN, son of William E. McMunn and Mabel Faye Miller. Raymond was born 25 November 1920 in Bethel Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 21 June 1997 in Glendale, California. He is buried in Ford City Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA.
b. Leila Belle Porter who married Harold Smith KIEBLER who was born 11 February 1929 and died 4 January 1969.
c. Arthur Dalton Porter known as “Art” was born 27 June 1929 in Vandergrift , Westmoreland County, PA and died 14 November 2005 in Meadville, Crawford County, PA. He is buried in West Warsaw Riggs Cemetery. He first married Lily Beryl ASHBAUGH and the marriage ended in divorce. He then married Leanna CARNAHAN in 1987.
d. William Ellsworth Porter known as “Billie” was born 15 June 1931 and died January 1962.
e. Raymond Devere Porter.
4. Lawrence Flickinger was born 13 June 1899 in Armstrong County, PA and died 3 April 1986 in Armstrong County, PA. He never married. He is buried in Mt. Zion Methodist Church Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA.
5. Roy Wilbur Flickinger was born 5 January 1902 in Armstrong County, PA and died 25 January 1921 in Armstrong County, PA. He was buried in Mt. Zion Methodist Church Cemetery, South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA.
6. Hattie Lucille Flickinger was born 18 March 1904 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 28 October 1985 in Armstrong County. Hattie was a school teacher and the first special education teacher in the Kiski Area School District. Hattie married Audrey Brice ARTMAN, Sr., son of Stacy John Artman and Wilhemina J. Beck, on 6 January 1926. Audrey was born 4 May 1902 in Zanesville, Ohio and died 25 June 1984 in Westmoreland County, PA. They are buried at St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA. This couple had 3 children.
a. Doris “Valjean” Artman who married Albert F. SUMMBERHILL, Jr, son of Albert Summerhill and Retta McIlwain on 26 October 1946.
b. Audrey “Brice” Artman, Jr. who married Helen Irene WALKER, daughter of Roy Walker and Marian Wigle, in 1948.
c. Shirley Ann Artman was born 10 November 1938 in Allegheny County, PA and died 3 February 1997 in Edgewood, PA. She is buried in St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery (Brick Church).
7. Eva Mae Flickinger was born 2 December 1905 in Apollo, Armstrong County, PA and died 24 December 1986 in Westmoreland County, PA. She married Orvis Clyde RISHEL, son of Lewis S. Rishel and Anna Bone, on 20 September 1929. Orvis was born 21 September 1909 in Punxsutawney, PA and died 20 November 1975 in Westmoreland County, PA. They are buried in Spring Church Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA. They had 2 sons.
a. Richard Clyde Rishel was born 24 February 1931 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 14 October 1991. He married Hulda MOSBAUGHER in 1950. This marriage ended in divorce. Richard married Sonai BEDUS.
b. Robert Leland Rishel was born 24 February 1932 in Parks Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 17 December 1999 in New Kensington, Westmoreland County, PA. He is buried at Greenwood Mausoleum, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, PA. Robert married Shirley HAYS.
8. Alice Emma Flickinger was born 12 October 1907 in Armstrong County, PA and died 3 February 2004 in Armstrong County, PA. She married Earl SHELLHAMMER, son of Albert Shellhammer and Clara B. Reichenbaugh. Earl was born 11 February 1905 in Armstrong County, PA and died 3 August 1984 in Westmoreland County, PA. He is buried in Spring Church Presbyterian Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA. They had 2 sons.
a. Doyle Lee Shellhammer
b. Donald Earl Shellhammer.
9. Robert Veryl Flickinger was born 9 April 1911 in Armstrong County, PA and died 9 May 1987 in Westmoreland County, PA. He is buried in St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery. Robert married Helen Alberta BURKETT, daughter of Harry Burkett and Mary McClafferty, on 17 January 1957 in Elderton, PA. Helen was born 12 April 1929 in Westmoreland County, PA. They had 1 daughter: Mary Ann Flickinger.
10. Kenneth “Wilson” Flickinger was born 2 February 1914 in Armstrong County, PA and died 23 October 1978 in Ford City, Armstrong County, PA. He married Ruth Margaret MYERS, daughter of Harry Ellsworth Myers and Dora E. Black. Ruth was born 22 January 1910 in McGrann, PA and died 20 June 1990 in East Franklin, Armstrong County, PA. They had 2 daughters: Carolyn Ruth Flickinger and Janice Eileen Flickinger.
JOHN HESTER KNAPPENBERGER (1869-1939)
John Hester was born 21 September 1869 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 6 July 1939 in Armstrong County, PA. He married Emma J. BARK, daughter of John Bark and Barbara Ann Harmon from the Elderton area, on 4 February 1892. She was born 20 January 1871 in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 15 October 1901 in Ft. Morgan, Colorado where they had gone for her health (lung problems). John and Emma had three children (Mary Amber Zee, McMurtry Urvin I, John Jacob Shafter)
John Hester married again on 3 December 1902 in Baltimore, Maryland to Lola Mae SHELLHAMMER, daughter of Daniel Shellhammer and Mary Alice Baker. Lola was a widow of Amos Hilburn Klingensmith with whom she had a daughter, Amy L. Klingensmith, born 12 January 1902 and died January 10, 1976 in Michigan. Lola Mae was born 26 July 1884 in Armstrong County, PA and died 1 January 1945 in Allegheny County, PA. John Hester and Lola had two children (Sarah Alice and Audrey Ann).
1898
John Hester Knappenberger and, first
wife, Emma [Bark] Knappenberger
with their three children:
McMurtry Urvin Knappenberger,
Mary Amber Zee Knappenberger and
John Jacob Shafter Knappenberger (baby)
1902 Wedding Photo
John Hester Knappenberger and, second wife,
Lola Mae [Shellhammer Klingensmith] Knappenberger
[photos graciously provided by Allen J. Knappenberger]
1. Mary Amber Zee known as “Amber” was the child of John Hester and Emma. She was born 10 January 1893 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 3 November 1972 in Westmoreland County, PA. Amber married Harry Clayton MURPHY, Sr, son of Joseph Murphy and Alice Gertrude Rudolph, on 20 May 1916 in Vandergrift, PA. Harry was born 11 August 1890 in Apollo, Armstrong County, PA and died 5 January 1969 in Westmoreland County, PA. They are buried in Vandergrift Cemetery, Westmoreland County, PA. They had 2 children.
a. Gertrude Amber Murphy was born 4 November 1929 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 26 December 2000 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA. She married Carl Henry KEIRN, son of Ray Keirn and Rose Engleman, on 29 October 1955. Carl was born 17 January 1924 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 3 November 1974 in Westmoreland County, PA. They are buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, PA. They had two children: David Scott Keirn and Judith Maureen Keirn.
b. Harry Clayton Murphy, Jr. was born 15 November 1931 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 17 October 1985 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA. He married Valerie PERSUN, daughter of Jerome Lyle Lundy Persun and Veronica Ezyk on 25 May 1959. They had 2 children: Clayton Jerome Murphy and Susan Marie Murphy.
2. McMurtry Urvin I. Knappenberger known as “Mack” was the child of John Hester and Emma. He was born 16 October 1895 in Armstrong County, PA and died 24 January 1977 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA. Mack married Effie Matilda REED, daughter of Melville Thursby Reed and Mildred Matilda Shirey, on 27 December 1915. Effie was born 20 August 1897 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 17 December 1987 in Cabot, PA. They are buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, PA. They had 2 children.
a. Glenn McMurtry Knappenberger fought in World War II. Glenn was born 30 July 1917 in Leechburg, Armstrong County, PA and died 13 January 1997 in McLennan County, Texas. He married Fannie Irene COOK, daughter of William Oscar Cook and Mary Ella Webb on 3 April 1945 in Jack County, Texas. Fannie was born 19 July 1917 in Burnet County, Texas and died 27 October 2002 in McLennan County, Texas. They are buried in Dolbyville Cemetery, Burnett County, Texas. They had a daughter: Linda Carol.
b. Mildred Emma Knappenberger was born 29 August 1919 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 15 June 1990 in Natrona Heights, Allegheny County, PA. She is buried in McVille Union Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA. She married James Robertson McINTYRE, Jr., son of James Robertson McIntyre, Sr. and Bessie Bell Beale on 8 September 1950. James was born 15 August 1919 in Armstrong County, PA and died 10 April 2013 in Butler County, PA. They had 3 children: Gloria Jean, James Robertson III and Eileen Kay.
3. John Jacob Shafter Knappenberger was the child of John Hester and Emma. He was born 7 August 1898 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 1 May 1950 in Allegheny County, PA. John married Ellen Ada RICHARDS, daughter of John Richards and Ada Dunn, on 2 April 1918 in Tarentum, PA. Ellen was born 12 July 1900 in St. Helens, Lancashire, England and died 11 December 1980 in Freeport, Armstrong County, PA. She came to the USA at the age of 12 with her parents and older sister. They are buried in Vandergrift Cemetery, Westmoreland County, PA. They had 4 children including 3 sons who served in World War II.
a. John Richards Knappenberger was born 23 March 1919 in Allegheny County, PA and died 28 May 1990 in Allegheny County, PA. He married Marie Irene LEECH, daughter of John R. Leech and Hilda May Dunmire, on 23 April 1941. Marie was born 25 may 1917 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 31 July 1987 in Allegheny County, PA. They are buried in Brookland Cemetery, Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, PA. They had two daughters: Kathleen Marie (11 July 192 – 29 February 1996) and Hilda Maureen.
b. Clifford William Knappenberger was born 9 June 1921 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 7 September 2006 in Cobb County, GA. He is buried in Georgia National Cemetery, Cherokee County, GA. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II. He married Grace Irene MYERS, daughter of Lester Myers and Lottie M. Stancliffe on 19 June 1941 in Westmoreland County, PA. Grace was born 5 August 1924 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 9 August 2009 in Georgia. She is buried in Georgia National Cemetery. They had five children including Clifford W. Knappenberger, Jr. served in the Army during the Vietnam War and earned the Bronze Star Medal. Their five children: Clifford William, Jr., Ellen Louise, John Atlee, Robert Leslie and David Gordon.
c. Mary “Vivian” Knappenberger was born 27 November 1923 in Allegheny County, PA and died 19 April 2000 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She married Hayes Alexander MAUTHE known as “Bud”, son of Hayes Mauthe and Margaret Painter on 29 June 1946. Bud was born 30 June 1920 in Armstrong County, PA and died 31 July 1992 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They are buried in Ft. Logan Military Cemetery in Colorado. They had one child: Janice Lynn.
d. Allen Joseph Knappenberger was born 3 February 1926 and died 20 February 2023. He married Retha Jean PATTERSON, daughter of Philip Abram Patterson and Verna Irene Kelly, on 18 January 1947. Retha was born 20 October 1922 in Indiana County, PA and died 18 January 2005 in Leechburg, Armstrong County, PA. She is buried in Greenwood Memorial Cemetery mausoleum, Westmoreland County, PA. They had two children: Lucinda Ann and Susan Irene. Allen remarried on 26 May 2007 to Margaret Jean Black Watterson, daughter of Harry Lloyd Black and Myrtle L. Johnson. Jean was born 14 June 1928 and died 26 June 2018. Allen’s ashes were interred in Greenwood Cemetery, Westmoreland County, PA.
All 3 brothers served during World War II in the US Army Air Force. See veterans page.
4. Sarah Alice Knappenberger known as “Alice” was the child of John Hester and Lola Mae. She was born 5 July 1908 in Kiski Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 4 July 1978 in Vinita, Craig County, OK. She is buried in Fairview Cemetery in Vinita, OK. Alice married Robert Scott KENMUIR, son of William E. Kenmuir and Stella T. Scott, on 28 February 1928. Robert Was born 12 August 1904 in Hyde Park, Westmoreland County, PA and died March 1961 in Westmoreland County, PA. He is buried in Union Cemetery, Arnold, Westmoreland County, PA. They had 3 children.
a. Stella Ann Kenmuir was born 5 September 1929 in Apollo, Armstrong County, PA and died 25 May 1984 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She married William Bryant GILBERT who was born 16 May 1914 in Phoenix City, Alabama and died 22 November 1979 in Columbus, Georgia. This married ended in divorce. They had four children: Benita Ann, William Bryant, Jr., Roy Lee and Shirley Ann.
b. Robert Gale Kenmuir known as “Gale” was born 4 March 1933 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 7 June 1996 in Caldwell, Texas. He married June Marie WATTS, daughter of James Guy Watts and Dara Rayner on 26 September 1953. June was born 10 January 1941 in Monongalia County, West Virginia and died 1 January 1970 in Allegheny County, PA. They are buried in Union Cemetery, Westmoreland County, PA. They had 5 children: Alice Marie, Roy Ann, Robert Gale (Bobby), Michael J. and Lisa.
c. John Edward Kenmuir known as Jack married Lida Burlee HOWELL, daughter of Theodore Howell and Willimene Thomas in 1958. They adopted Alice Marie Kenmuir ((see above).
5. Audrey Ann Knappenberger was the child of John Hester and Lola Mae. She was born 15 September 1914 in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, PA and died 3 August 1983 in Westmoreland County, PA. Audrey married Kenneth Edwin HECKMAN, son of Joseph Heckman and Jemima Rosetta Wells, on 18 September 1935 in Armstrong County, PA. Kenneth was born 13 October 1907 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 15 January 1985 in Westmoreland County, PA. They are buried in Mt. Union Lutheran Church Cemetery, Armstrong County, PA. They had 1 son: Richard S. Heckman.
X. Amy L. Klingensmith was the only child of Lola Mae Klingensmith Knappenberger and her deceased first husband, Amos Hilburn Klingensmith. Her father died 30 June 1901, drowned while on a picnic, a month after his marriage and six months before Amy was born. Therefore, she was raised in the John Hester Knappenberger household with step-siblings and half siblings. Amy was born 12 January 1902 in Armstrong County, PA and 10 January 1976 in Eaton County, Michigan She married James L. Stubbert, son of George Edward Stubbert and Isabel MacDonald, on 21 June 1919 in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. James was born 29 November 1890 in Little Pond, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada and died 1973 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. This marriage ended in divorce. Amy and her children moved back to Armstrong County, PA in 1928 from Nova Scotia, Canada. They had four children: Zola Estelle (17 October 1920 – 29 November 2002), Dale (14 October 1923 – 24 November 2001), James M. (7 August 1925 – 3 June 1998), Zane Harmon (20 November 1927 – 6 April 1998). Amy remarried to Charles Marion Stoneburner, son of Harvey E. Stoneburner and Catherine Conaway, sometime during the 1930s. Charles was born 8 March 1883 in Perry County, Ohio and died July 1967 in Berrien County, Michigan.
CETTA MAY KNAPPENBERGER (1871-1892)
Cetta May was born 26 October 1871 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 4 October 1892 in Armstrong County, PA. She is buried in Mt. Union Lutheran Church Cemetery in Armstrong County, PA.
NANCY CATHERINE KNAPPENBERGER (1873-1952)
Nancy Catherine was born 7 November 1873 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 1 October 1952 in Armstrong County, PA. Nancy married Austin Elmer SILVIS, son of William Silvis and Anna M. Silvis, on 6 December 1893. Austin was born 20 August 1874 in Armstrong County, PA and died 9 November 1950. They are buried in Union Cemetery, Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio. This couple had seven children.
1. Jessie Wendall Silvis, Sr., was born 7 February 1896 in Armstrong County, PA and died 16 November 1952 in Apollo, Armstrong County, PA. He was buried in Union Cemetery, Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio. Jessie married Mary MOORE who was born about 1899 in Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio. They had two sons.
a. Jesse Wendall Silvis, Jr. was born 6 April 1917 in Jefferson County, Ohio and died 3 March 1920 Jefferson County, Ohio. He is buried in Union Cemetery, Jefferson County, Ohio.
b. Robert Moore Silvis.
2. Anna Florence Silvis was born 16 January 1902 in Armstrong County, PA and died 1 November 1975 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA. She is buried in Union Cemetery, Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio.
3. Helen Cathlene Silvis was born January 1904 in Butler County, PA and died 24 March 1951 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA. Helen married James Thomas BARCLAY. J. Thomas was born 26 August 1896 in Jefferson County, Ohio and died 1 January 1958 in Allegheny County, PA. They are buried in Union Cemetery, Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio. They had 1 daughter. Linda
4. Genevieve Margaret Silvis known as “Jenny” was born 15 December 1906 in Butler County, PA and died 17 July 1982 in Armstrong County, PA. Genevieve is buried in Riverview Cemetery, Apollo, Armstrong County, PA. Jenny married Floridan Paul DODSON, Sr., son of Ira M. Dodson and Arabella Shank, on 20 July 1930 in Butler, PA. Floridan known as “Doggie” was born 20 July 1903 in Armstrong County, PA and died 12 November 1985 in Allegheny County, PA. They had two children.
a. Floridan Paul Dodson, Jr. known as “Skip” was born 22 December 1930 in Armstrong County, PA and died 15 February 1997 in Armstrong County. He is buried in Riverview Cemetery. Skip married Marjorie Joanna BONEY, daughter of William P. Boney and Emma Rebecca Houston.
b. Beverly Ann Dodson
5. Eleanor Silvis was born 18 November 1907 in Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio and died 24 March 1993 in Allegheny County, PA. She is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, PA. She married Edward H. NEWTON known as “Ted”. Ted was born 11 November 1906 and died October 1968 in Westmoreland County, PA. They had a son, Dean.
6. Sarah Irene Silvis was born 8 June 1911 in Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio and died March 1913 Jefferson County, Ohio. She is buried in Union Cemetery, Jefferson County, Ohio.
7. Dorothy V. Silvis was born 15 December 1914 in Jefferson County, Ohio and died 22 January 1989 in Allegheny County, PA. Dorothy married Thomas Luther BEAMER known as “Boots”, son of Arthur S. Beamer and Jennie Boyer, on 7 November 1936. Boots was born 20 May 1915 in Armstrong County, PA and died 7 July 2001 in Westmoreland County, PA. They are buried in Riverview Cemetery, Apollo, Armstrong County, PA. Boots was a Navy veteran of World War II and served on the USS Rocky Mountain in the Pacific. They had two sons: Randy and Terry.
GEORGE MARLIN KNAPPENBERGER (1875-1931)
George Marlin known as “Marlin” was born 7 September 1875 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 7 October 1931 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA. He married Jennie Emma SHAEFFER, daughter of David L. Shaeffer and Mary Morrow, on 26 June 1901, in Homer City, Indiana County, PA. Jennie was born 22 September 1877 in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 24 September 1924 in Forest Hills Village, Ontario, Canada. They are buried in the Vandergrift Cemetery, Westmoreland County, PA. They had four children.
George Marlin Knappenberger and wife,
Jennie E. [Shaeffer] Knappenberger
[photo graciously provided
by Dorothy Hamilton Knepshield]
1. Charles Herbert Knappenberger known as “Herbert” was born 5 July 1903 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 3 September 1976 in Dearborn, Wayne County, Michigan. Herbert worked his way through Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh receiving a degree in engineering. He married Verna TREBILCOCK, daughter of William Trebilcock and Lydia Markert, on 30 March 1932 in Detroit, Michigan. Verna was born 23 February 1903 in Ishpeming, Michigan and died 18 September 1974 in Dearborn, Michigan. They had two children.
a. Sue Carole Knappenberger born 10 July 1938 in Detroit, Michigan and died 19 August 1988 in California. She married John Stanley ECCLESTONE on 30 December 1972 in Dearborn, Michigan. John was born 8 September 1941 in Dearborn, Michigan and died 29 December 2001 in Michigan.
b. James Marlin “Jim” Knappenberger was born 19 February 1942 in Dearborn, Michigan and died 19 August 2017 in Mountain View, California. He married Anne DELLINGER.
2. Viola Amber Knappenberger was born 22 April 1907 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 14 September 2002 in Maricopa County, Arizona. She married Theodore F. ROSENZWEIG known as “Ted” on 16 August 1933. Ted was born 24 March 1905 in Claridge, PA and died 13 January 1988 in Escondido, San Diego County, California. They had two children: Jean Sylvia Rosenzweig and Edward Marlin Rosenzweig.
3. Clarence Marlin Knappenberger was born 23 July 1910 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 18 August 1917 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA. He is buried in Vandergrift Cemetery along with his parents.
4. William Leroy Knappenberger, MD was born 14 November 1921 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 5 May 1999 in Penn Hills, Allegheny County, PA. He married Mary A. OLEJNICZAK who was born 7 August 1918 in Ohio and died 23 January 1995 in Penn Hills, PA. They are buried in Vandergrift Cemetery, Westmoreland County, PA. They had four children: Jane Bernice Knappenberger, William Leroy Knappenberger, Jr. MD, George Francis Knappenberger, MD, and Mary Marlin Knappenberger.
JOSEPH EMMITT KNAPPENBERGER (1878-1968)
Joseph Emmitt known as “Joe” was born 11 July 1878 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 9 September 1968 in Armstrong County, PA. Joe married Ella Jane EDWARDS, daughter of Wesley Edwards and Elizabeth Jane (“Jennie”) Anthony, on 25 October 1905. Ella was born 27 September 1886 in Armstrong County, PA and died 25 March 1974 in Armstrong County, PA. She was the sister of Vergie Etta Edwards who married Clare Elwood Cline [see above under Lydia Maria Knappenberger]. Joe and Ella are buried in Presbyterian Cemetery, Worthington, Armstrong County, PA. Joe and Ella had eight children.
Summer 1921
FRONT Beatrice Ella Knappenberger
sitting in lap of Joseph Emmitt Knappenberger,
Billie Richard Knappenberger sitting in
lap of Ella Jane [Edwards] Knappenberger,
Arnold Claire Knappenberger
BACK Freda Alberta Knappenberger,
Percy Emmitt Knappenberger,
Norwood Wesley Knappenberger,
Vera Zee Knappenberger,
Retha Mae Knappenberger
[photo graciously provided by
Dorothy Hamilton Knepshield]
1. Norwood Wesley Knappenberger known as “Knappy” was born 23 August 1906 in Armstrong County, PA and died 13 June 2000 in Armstrong County, PA. He first married Mary “Ruth” McCRACKAN, daughter of Elmer and Wilda McCrackan, on 5 December 1928. Mary Ruth was born 17 October 1909 and died 24 May 1980 in Armstrong County, PA.
He then married Florence Marie SHIELDS, daughter of Charles Shields and Jennie Martin, on 4 September 1982. Florence was born 8 December 1907 in Denny’s Mill, Butler County, PA and died 13 September 1994 in Armstrong County, PA. She had been married previously to William Rusz.
Norwood and Ruth were buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Worthington, Armstrong County, PA. Florence was buried in Lawn Haven Estates in Armstrong County, PA. Norwood and Ruth had 2 children: Marie Jane Knappenberger who married James Findley Wilson (26 Nov 1930 – 4 January 2022) and Joseph Everett Knappenberger (30 March 1936-1 June 2021).
2. Vera Zee Knappenberger was born 20 April 1908 in Armstrong County, PA and died 18 September 1981 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York. Vera married James Kenneth WHEAT, son of John E. Wheat and Mae Younkins, on 23 March 1940. James was born 12 September 1912 in Armstrong County and died 1 January 1990 in Buffalo, New York. This couple is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Lockport, New York. They had five children: Ella Mae Wheat, Norma Jean Wheat, Vivian Elaine Wheat, Percy Kenneth Wheat and Paul Howard Wheat.
3. Retha Mae Knappenberger was born 1 May 1910 in Armstrong County, PA and died 26 November 1939. Retha married Theodore Roosevelt GRAFTON, son of Lawrence Boyd Grafton and Mabel Claire Campbell, on 21 August 1929. Theodore was born 8 March 1908 in Kittanning, Armstrong County, PA and died 27 April 1998 in Susquehanna, PA. He is buried in Arlington, VA. They had four children:
a. Uldene Etta Grafton was born 22 March 1930 and died 3 September 1985. She married James G. GRATTON who was 22 January 1931 and died 12 December 1994.
b. Loretta Eileen Grafton was born 5 May 1932 and died 31 July 1983. She married William Curtis COUCH who was born 23 May 1927 and died 25 January 1972.
c. Donald Thomas Grafton was born 14 April 1936 and died 3 March 1967. He married Frances Jean MAPLES.
d. Victor Rodney Grafton who married Judith Ann MOORE.
4. Percy Emmitt Knappenberger was born 3 May 1912 in Armstrong County, PA and died 22 August 1929 in Armstrong County, PA as a result of an auto accident. He was not married. He is buried in Presbyterian Cemetery, Worthington, Armstrong County, PA.
5. Freda Alberta Knappenberger was born 12 February 1914 in Armstrong County, PA and died 4 August 1976 in Armstrong County, PA. Freda married Frank Vernon RUFFANER, son of John Alexander Ruffaner and Anna Adaline Claypoole, on 27 July 1938. Frank was born 9 March 1911 in Armstrong County, PA and died 21 September 1985. They are buried in Presbyterian Cemetery, Worthington, Armstrong County, PA. They had two children: Marlin Frank Ruffaner and Martha Alberta Ruffaner.
6. Arnold Claire Knappenberger was born 11 June 1916 in Armstrong County, PA and died 23 November 2016 in Armstrong County, PA at the age of 100. He married Juanita BROWDER on 24 August 1945 in Louisiana. Juanita was born 3 August 1920 in Winnsboro, LA and died 30 October 1983 in Allegheny County, PA. This couple had no children. Arnold served with the Army Medical Corp during World War II.
7. Beatrice Ella Knappenberger was born 6 September 1918 in West Franklin Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 24 June 2017 in Greenville, Mercer County, PA. She married Albert Hepler SHEARER, Jr., son of Albert Hepler Shearer, Sr. and Bessie Alice Ruffaner, on 29 October 1938. Albert was born 4 May 1918 in Butler, PA and died 3 March 1995 in Mercer County, PA. They are buried in Lawn Haven Estates, Worthington, Armstrong County, PA. This couple had nine children: Vergie Adele, Albert Harold, Gary Joseph, Arnold Vernon, Linda Caroline, Kay Lorraine, Ray Lynn, Harlan Lee, Alan Ross.
8. Billie Richard Knappenberger was born 11 November 1920 in Armstrong County, PA and died 21 February 2017 in Worthington, PA. Billie married Betty Jane YOCKEY, daughter of Roy McCurdy Yockey and Alice Elvie HOOKS, on 8 April 1949. Betty was born 14 November 1926 in Worthington, PA and died 9 December 2011 in Pittsburgh, PA. This couple had two children: Richard Roy and Jane Louise.
For more information on the EDWARDS, SHEARER, CLAYPOOLE, RUFFANER and related families, go to www.colleengenealogy.net.
ELIDA ZEE KNAPPENBERGER (1883-1958)
Elida Zee was born 22 September 1883 in South Bend Township, Armstrong County, PA and died 17 August 1958 in Armstrong County, PA. She married George Howard HAMILTON on 16 August 1911 in Greensburg, PA. George was born 16 March 1876 in Indiana County, PA and died 10 January 1966 in Allegheny County, PA. This couple had three children.
Elida Zee [Knappenberger] Hamilton
[photo graciously provided
by Dorothy Hamilton Knepshield]
1. Dorothy Elizabeth Hamilton was born 9 February 1913 in Vandergrift, Westmoreland County, PA and died 17 March 2014 in Armstrong County, PA She married Blaine Clepper KNEPSHIELD on 26 May 1972 in Apollo, PA. Blaine was born 25 June 1908 in McKeesport, PA and died 22 July 1984 in Allegheny County, PA. They are buried in Vandergrift Cemetery. No children were born to this couple, but Dorothy has four stepchildren through Blaine.
2. Howard Vernon Hamilton was born 3 July 1918 in Armstrong County, PA and died 15 June 1999 in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. He was married to Betty Jane POLLACK on 21 November 1941 and had three children. This marriage ended in divorce. Their children : Betty Irene (10 September 1949 – 15 September 1949), Janet Celeste and Merrill Lynn (1956-1990)
3. Rosalie Virginia Hamilton was born 9 February 1922 in North Apollo, Armstrong County, PA and died 15 April 2016 in Nashville, Davidson County, TN. She married Harry Alan SCHMITTOU, son of Egbert Schmittou and Jane Browning, on 9 May 1955. Harry was born 15 July 1923 in Nashville, Tennessee and died 22 February 1997 there. They are buried in Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Davidson County, TN. They had two children: Douglas Allen and Robert Lee.
If you would like further information on this family or would like to share information, please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.