DANIEL KNAPPENBERGER FAMILY
OF CLARION COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

UPDATED  2 July 2010 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Daniel Knappenberger was born 28 November 1799 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, PA.  He was the son of John Knappenberger and grandson of Conrad Knappenberger of Westmoreland County.  Daniel married Lydia BERLIN, daughter of John Jacob Berlin and Eve Carbaugh, on 28 November 1822 in Westmoreland County, PA.  Lydia was born 15 September 1803 in Westmoreland County, PA.  Daniel and Lydia had ten children.  Lydia died 26 May 1871 in Clarion County, PA and is buried at St. Paul's Cemetery in Clarion County, PA.  Daniel died 2 May 1882 in Clarion County, PA and is buried at St. Mark's United Church of Christ Cemetery in Monroe, Clarion County, PA.  (Formerly St. Mark's Evangelical & Reformed Church.)

From Vinnie Knappenberger's book we learn,
"John's second son, Daniel, in early manhood married Lydia Berlin and moved to Clarion County, where he became interested in oil.  He became the father of nine children....Daniel's descendants, like those of his brother, Henry, have proved themselves worthy of their staunch German ancestry and are well-to-do, God-fearing, thrifty business and professional people  They have remained true to the mother church in which they are active workers."

CHILDREN

CHILD KNAPPENBERGER (1824-1824)

The first child of this couple was born about 1824 and died soon after birth.

SOPHIA KNAPPENBERGER (1826-1916)

Sophia was born 10 June 1826  and died 28 September 1916 in Clarion County, PA.  She married John LORAH, son of Peter Lorah and Sarah RITTER, on 31 December 1846 in Clarion County, PA.  John was born 27 February 1823 in Berks County, PA and died 3 May 1896 in Clarion County, PA.  John was a farmer and a blacksmith and held the office of Justice of the Peace for about 28 years.  A brief biography of John Lorah does not mention any children.  However, it is likely that they raised Mary Boyer, daughter of her sister, Priscilla, who died when Mary was 2 years old.  In the 1880 census, a J.C. Crawford, age 6, is listed as a "son" but is most likely their great-nephew, son of Mary Boyer Crawford.

HANNAH KNAPPENBERGER (1829-1830)

Hannah was born 19 February 1829 and was christened in Denmark Manor Church of Westmoreland County, PA.  She died in 1830 at one year of age.

MOSES KNAPPENBERGER (1830-1839)

Moses was born about 1830 in Westmoreland County, PA and died about 1839 in Clarion County, PA at the age of nine.

JOSIAH KNAPPENBERGER (1834-1871)

Josiah Knappenberger was born about 1834 in Clarion County, PA and died 26 July 1871 in Coon Rapids, Carroll County, Iowa.   Josiah had a child, Josiah E. Knappenberger, known as Jesse with Mary DIERLOF (or DEAROLPH), daughter of Adam and Mary Dierlof, in 1852.  They did not marry.   Jesse was raised by his mother, Mary, and her husband, Gotlieb Ensle in Beaver Township, Clarion County, PA.

Go to the bottom of this page to learn more about this Josiah E. (aka Jesse) Knapenberger family.

Josiah married Margaret Emily MYERS, daughter of Henry Myers and Nancy A. Burns, on 14 February 1856 in Clarion County, PA.    Margaret Emily was born 7 April 1838 in Clarion County, PA and died 1 August 1909 in Coon Rapids, Iowa.  Josiah and his wife were pioneers who migrated from Pennsylvania to Iowa in 1867 and in 1870 settled on a farm five miles southwest of Coon Rapids, Iowa.  The 1870 census lists this family in Cass Township, Guthrie County, Iowa.   This couple had six children.  Margaret was considered a true pioneer woman who after the death of her husband, gave birth to Wesley and remained on the farm and raised him with his five older brothers and sisters to maturity.

1. Reverend James Buchanan Knappenberger was born 24 November 1856 in Venango County, PA and died 24 July 1943 in Batavia, New York.  At the time of his retirement as a Methodist minister,  Dr. Knappenberger was Syracuse's oldest active minister.  He was a militant crusader as a spokesman for prohibition, Townsendism and Fundamentalism.  His zealous speeches against liquor attracted crowds.  James married Mary Elizabeth COX, daughter of Charles Cox,  on 14 November 1881 in South Dakota.  Mary was born 3 June 1862 in Whitewater, Wisconsin and died 16 January 1932 in Syracuse, New York.  James and Mary had three children.  Rev. Knappenberger later married Martha Anne WILLIAMS on 3 August 1933 in Syracuse, New York.  She was born in July 1865 in Hamilton, Canada and died 27 June 1943 in Syracuse, New York.

a. Alice May Knappenberger was born 12 July 1885 in Wheaton, Illinois and died June 1971 in Bristol, PA.  She married Clyde Perkins WELLS, son of Hervey T. and Emma Wells,  on 3 September 1912 in Syracuse, New York.  Clyde was born 28 January 1885 in Hartwick, New York and died February 1973 in Syracuse, New York.  This couple had  three children:  Willard K. Wells born about 1914, James Hervey Wells born 8 September 1919 in Delaware County, NY and died 2 Jan 1944 in the South Atlantic during World War II* , and Elting H. Wells born 20 Jan 1921 and died July 1982.

*Admiral Jonas Ingram, USN Commander, South Atlantic Force, wrote in Army-Navy Journal: "We had a session with surface blockade runners at the beginning of 1944. We destroyed three of these in as many days, which is often referred to as The Solant (South Atlantic) Triple Play". January 2, 1944, Ensign James Hervey Wells was the second of three pilots on a Liberator lost in this "Triple Play".

Ensign Wells, one of three brothers, all World War II pilots, was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, European-African-Eastern Command Medal, and City of Batavia Medal. Citations and letter came from President Roosevelt, Secretary Knox, and James Forrestal.

 b. Max Cox Knappenberger was born 15 September 1890 in Syracuse, New York and died 29 June 1930 in Syracuse, NY.  He married Irene May WURZBURGER, daughter of John C. Wurzburger and Kittie A. Dennis, on 20 October 1913 in Syracuse.  Irene was born 17 May 1887 in Syracuse, New York and died 30 September 1974 in Medford, Oregon.  Max and Irene had a daughter named Mary Irene Knappenberger.   Mary married Stephen W. RYDER, Jr., son of Rev. Stephen W. and Reba S. Ryder, on 7 December 1946 in Syracuse, NY.  Stephen (Jr.) was born 10 May 1923 in Japan and died 17 Jan 2006 in Medford, Oregon.

c. Clara E. Knappenberger was born 18 March 1896 in Syracuse, New York and died July 1974 in Syracuse, New York.  She is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse, NY. She married Howard William POST who was born 18 September 1896 in Syracuse, NY and died 19 February 1992 in New York.   They had a daughter named Martha Post (21 December 1931-January 1981). 

2. Marilda Catherine Knappenberger known as "Rilla" was born 16 January 1859 in Clarion County, PA and died sometime after 1930 most likely in New York state.  She married Reverend Thomas Henry ALLEN on 15 March 1881 in Coon Rapids, Carroll County, Iowa.  Thomas was born November 1851 in New York and was a Methodist minister.  He died sometime between 1910 when they lived in Enid, Oklahoma and 1920 when Rilla was listed as a widow living in McPherson, Kansas census.  This couple had four daughters.

a. Emma Allen was born June 1886 in Iowa and died April 1888 at the age of 1 year and 10 months.  

b.  Carrie E. Allen was born December 1881 in Iowa and died between 1900 and the 1910 census.

c.  Minnie A. Allen was born February 1889 in Iowa and died between 1900 and the 1910 census.

d.  Beulah C. Allen was born February 1892 in Iowa.  In the 1930 census, she is married to Rev. W. R. REYNOLDS, a Methodist preacher, living in Rochester, New York along with her widowed mother and their son, Robert A. Reynolds, born about 1922 in New York.

3. Clara Sophia Knappenberger was born 22 April 1861 in Clarion County, PA and died 23 August 1914 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.  Clara married William H. PRETTYMAN, son of Richard Prettyman and Julia A. Hupp, on 17 April 1885.  They had two children.

a. William "Roy" Prettyman was born 30 January 1886 in Audubon County, Iowa and died 29 August 1964 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Roy's first marriage was to Ruth (maiden name unknown/first married name was WELSH) about 1924.  Ruth was born about 1895 in Iowa and had a daughter born about 1914 from her first marriage.  
Roy's second marriage was to Elizabeth LENIHAN, daughter of John Lenihan, on 23 November 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska.  Elizabeth was born 30 May 1897 in Dawson, Iowa and died 1956 in Dallas County, Iowa.   Elizabeth's first husband was Fred Potter who she married in 1917.  Roy had no children of his own but did have three step-children.

b. Myrtle Irene Prettyman was born 1 October 1888 in Iowa and died 9 May 1980 in Waterloo, Iowa.  Myrtle married Ansel Gillette ENSEY, son of John D. and Eleanor A. Ensey, about 1928.  Ansel was born 25 October 1892 in Guthrie County, Iowa.  They had a daughter, Clara Esther Ensey, born 19 April 1929 in Guthrie County, Iowa and died 15 October 1990.  She was married to a Mr. Engstrom.

4. Josiah or Joseph M. Knappenberger known as "Mack" was born 7 August 1864 in Clarion County, PA and died 20 January 1882 while he was attending college.

5. Mary E. Knappenberger known as "Minnie" was born December 1868 in Iowa and and died in the 1930's in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma.  She married Frederick Homer SMITH (known as Fred)  on 23 August 1887 in Dunlap, Iowa.  Fred was born 7 January 1862 in Elburn, Illinois and died 7 February 1939 in Cashion, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma. He is buried in Cashion Cemetery, Oklahoma.   This couple had six children:  

a.  Emma A. Smith was born April 1891 in Iowa and died 14 January 1982.  She married Harry Edgar SMITH about 1916.  Harry was born 28 December 1892 in Lockridge, Oklahoma and died 27 November 1973.  They were living in Norman, Oklahoma in 1939.  Harry and Emma are buried in the IOOF Cemetery, Norman, Oklahoma.  Emma and Harry had a daughter, Beatrice Smith born about 1926 in Kentucky.  Harry was a university professor.

b. Edward Robert Smith was born 7 May 1893 in Early, Iowa and died 7 March 1958 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.   He married Elizabeth (maiden name unknown) about 1921.  Elizabeth was born about 1897 in Arkansas.  They lived in Dallas, Texas in 1939.   They had a son, Donald Smith, who was born about 1928 in Oklahoma.

c. Albert K. Smith was born 26 April 1895 in Woodbury County, Iowa and died October 1968 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He married Marie A. (maiden name unknown) about 1922.  Marie was born about 1892 in Kansas (her parents were born in France).  In the 1930 census they had two daughters, Marie Louise Smith (born about 1924 in Oklahoma) and Marilyn Beth Smith (1 February 1929-7 July 2007).

d. Alta Y. Smith was born April 1897 in Iowa and married Bryon BROADBROOKS, son of Edson Broadbrooks and Millicent Lewis, about 1919.  Bryon was born 29 August 1895 in Nebraska and died March 1983 in Kansas.  By the 1930 census, Bryon and Alta had three children:  Eleanor Broadbrooks born about 1921 in Washington, Bryon R. Broadbrooks  born about 1923 in Kansas and Miriam J. Broadbrooks born about 1928 in Kansas.  Bryon worked as a lineman for a light and power company.   They lived in McPherson, Kansas..

e. Mabel G. Smith was born 27 July 1905 in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma and died 7 February 1990 in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.  She first married a Mr. FARMER and lived in Shreveport LA, in 1939.   She later married Charles W. BUDD who was born 22 September 1908 in Missouri and died 21 December 1986 in New Mexico.  Mable and Charles are buried in the National Cemetery, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

f.  Clara "Joy" Smith was born 24 September 1909 in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma and died 25 July 1998 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  She married Harold Ray SHANKLE on 29 September 1933 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Harold was born 9 April 1909 and died 27 October 1972 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  they are buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Thanks to Gale Myers for sharing information related to this family! 

6. Wesley B. Knappenberger was born 20 February 1872 in Guthrie County, Iowa and died 30 January 1951 in Coon Rapids, Carroll County, Iowa.   Wesley married Carrie E. SHARP, daughter of Jacob and Mary Sharp, on 10 September 1891 in Coon Rapids, Iowa.  Carrie was born 14 February 1873 in Carthage, Missouri and died 1960 in Carroll County, Iowa.  They are buried in Coon Springs Cemetery, Carroll County, Iowa.  This couple had four children.

a. Elmer E. Knappenberger was born 1 May 1897 in Iowa and died 18 March 1907 in Audobon County, Iowa.

b. Earl Melvin Knappenberger was born 18 February 1899 in Coon Rapids, Iowa and died June 1964.  He married Louella Alice POWELL on 20 December 1920.  This marriage ended in divorce.  Louella (also known as Lula) was born 10 April 1898 and died April 1970.   Earl is buried in Coon Springs Cemetery with his parents.  His marker indicates that he was a Corporal in the Army Air Forces during World War II.   This couple had 2 children: 

Richard Earl Knappenberger was born 27 May 1926 in Iowa and died 16 September 1997 Clark County, Nevada.  He married Mary Margaret RAY, daughter of Robert V. Ray and Genevieve Beatrice Barrett, on 27 May 1955 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Mary  was born 5 April 1922 in  California and died 18 March 2008 Clark County, Nevada.

Pauline M. Knappenberger was born 15 December 1923 in Iowa and died 24 February 2003 in Arizona.  She married Robert V. Gray.      

c. Thelma E. Knappenberger was born 7 March 1906 in Coon Rapids, Iowa and died 26 February 1996 in Stewart, Iowa.  Thelma married Franklin FISTER, son of William Henry Fister and Elizabeth Hannah White,  on 28 August 1931, in Maryville, Missouri.  Frank was born 3 August 1890 in Greene County, Iowa and died 20 September 1954 in Carroll County, Iowa.   They had a daughter, Marihelen Fister. 

d. An infant child was born 18 March 1915 in Carroll County, Iowa and died the same day.

PRISCILLA KNAPPENBERGER (1837-1859)

Priscilla was born 3 April 1837 in Clarion County, PA and died about 1859 in Clarion County, PA.  She married Ralph BOYER, son of John Reinhart Boyer and Anna Maria (Polly) Shambach, about 1856.  Ralph was born 11 May 1834 in Union, PA and died 11 September 1906 in Cherokee County, Kansas.  Priscilla and Ralph had a daughter named Mary  C. in about 1857.  Mary remained in Pennsylvania and was raised by her aunt, Sophia Knappenberger Lorah, after her mother's death.  Her father, Ralph, moved to Kansas and married two more times.

1. Mary C. Boyer was born about 1857 in Clarion County, PA and married William H. CRAWFORD who was born about 1851 in Canada.  This family was living in Toby Township, Clarion County, PA in the 1880 census.  In the 1930 census for Beaver Township, Clarion County, PA, Mary C. Crawford is listed as 73 years of age and widowed.  This couple had seven children.

a. John Crawford born about 1874 in Clarion County, PA.

b. Thomas Henry Crawford born 18 August 1875 in Clarion County, PA and died October 1971 in Osage County, Oklahoma.  He married Mary Orphelia DELOE (DELO), daughter of Daniel DeLoe and Amelia Kribbs.  She was born 9 July 1875 in Clarion County, PA and died 6 October 1967 in Osage County, Oklahoma.  Mary Orphelia was a sister of Edith DeLoe, wife of Charles Knappenberger, who also relocated to Oklahoma.  They had 3 children:  Carlos Everette Crawford (6 February 1898-26 June 1976), Miriam A. Crawford (22 January 1900-January 1976) and Harriette S. Crawford (5 October 1904-August 1986).

c. Ada S. Crawford born about 1878 in Clarion County, PA.

d. Minerva M. Crawford born 1880 in Clarion County, PA.  Minerva seemingly never married.  She was 50 years of age and single in the 1930 census.

e. William O. Crawford born about 1883 in Clarion County, PA.  He married Myrtle I. (maiden name unknown) who was born about 1885 in PA. They had  had a daughter named Margaret M. Crawford (born about 1908 in Clarion County, PA).

f. Ward C. Crawford born about 1887 in Clarion County, PA.

g. Martha Crawford born in Clarion County, PA.

MARY ANN KNAPPENBERGER (1840-1909)

Mary Ann was born September 1840 in Clarion County, PA and died 25 April 1909 in Salem Township, Clarion County, PA.  She married Harvey Amiel McGINNIS known as "Harry", son of John McGinnis and Sarah Jane McClatchey, on 18 June 1872.  Harry was born 13 December 1840 in Salem Township, Clarion County, PA and died 28 September 1923 in Salem Township, Clarion County, PA.  They had two children of which one lived to adulthood.

1. Daniel Theodore McGinnis was born 9 November 1878 in Clarion County, PA and died 14 September 1947 in Venango County, PA.  He married Frances H. ARBUCKLE, daughter of George Arbuckle and Alice Forester, on 6 December 1901.  Frances was born 6 September 1882 in Mercer County, PA and died 1 April 1957 in Emlenton, Venango County, PA.  They are buried in Old Brick Church cemetery, Salem Township, Clarion County, PA.   They had six children:  

a.   Sophia L. McGinnis born about 1902 in Clarion County, PA.  She married married Harry D. McMurdy.  Harry was born 23 July 1897 in PA and died 12 May 1984.  By 1930 census, they had two sons:  Harry D. McMurdy, Jr.  (17 March 1924-3 September 1991) and William V. McMurdy (31 August 1927-30 November 1991).

b.  Ruth L. McGinnis was born 22 November 1904 in Clarion County, PA and died 20 October 1974 in Venango County, PA.  She married Dewey "William" Shreffler, son of Harvey A. Shreffler and Maude M. Hagerty.  William was born 30 August 1888 in Venango County, PA and died 30 May 1955 in Venango County, PA.

c.  Alice M. McGinnis (abt 1906) who married Henry J. Smith.

d. A. Rusell McGinnis (abt 1913).  He was buried in Old Brick Church cemetery, Salem Township, Clarion County, PA.

e. Vance Llewellyn McGinnis was born 17 July 1914 in Clarion County, PA and died 17 June 1999 in Venango County, PA.  He first married Velma Margaret Bell on 10 June 1940.  Velma was born 24 August 1911 and died 8 August 1984.  Vance married a second time to Amanda Cowan on 5 December 1986.  She was born 26 August 1914 and died 20 December 2004.

f.  Daniel D. McGinnis  was born about 1922 in Clarion County, PA.

 

JACOB KNAPPENBERGER (1844-1928)

Jacob Knappenberger was born 24 July 1844 in Beaver Township, Clarion County, PA and died 1928 in Clarion County, PA.   From his obituary we learn that,  "upon reaching maturity he became a farmer on his own account, cultivating a portion of the homestead, and acquiring other land, until he has now three hundred and eighty acres under cultivation, besides other property.  He now conducts an excellent stock-raising and general farming business, and is one of the most prosperous men hereabouts."  Jacob married Emma Lydia GILGER, daughter of Adam Gilger and Lovina Neely, on 2 March 1871.  Emma was born 1850 in Beaver Township, Clarion County, PA and died in 1938 in Clarion County, PA.  This couple had twelve children.

1. William Edward Knappenberger known as Ed was born 11 March 1872 in Clarion County, PA and died April 1965 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He married Mabel "Blanche" NEELY of Clarion County on 10 April 1895.  Blanche was born about 1877 in clarion County, PA and died about 1972 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  Ed worked for the Quaker Oil and Gas Company in Tulsa.  

a.  William and Blanche adopted a daughter, Martha Helen Knappenberger who was born in 1914.  She married Victor Belmont Roberts and had two children.

2. Charles Erwin Knappenberger was born 19 August 1873 in Clarion County, PA and died 13 August 1948 in Oklahoma.  He married Edith Gertrude DELOE (DELO), daughter of Daniel Marion DeLoe and Amelia K. Kribbs, on 7 July 1904 in Clarion County, PA.  Edith was born 23 August 1877 in Lamartine, Clarion County, PA and died 9 September 1967 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Charles, Edith and their daughter, Dorothy are all buried in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.  In 1920 and 1930, this family was living in Creek County, Oklahoma where Charles was an oil well driller.  They had one daughter.

a. Dorothy Lavina Knappenberger was born 31 March 1906 and died 8 August 1997 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  She never married and was a school teacher in Tulsa.

3. Minnie L. Knappenberger was born 6 Jan 1875 in Clarion County, PA and died April 1969 in Knox, Clarion County, PA.  Minnie married Elmer E. KNIGHT, son of Daniel R. and Ann KNIGHT,  about 1904 in Clarion County, PA.  Elmer was born 1863 in Clarion County, PA and died 1934 in Clarion County, PA.   Elmer was a brother of Louis who married Minnie's sister, Susan. (see below)  No children were listed in the 1910 or 1930 censuses.  Minnie and Elmer are buried in St. Mark's Cemetery, Monroe, Clarion County, PA. 

4. Devern Lester Knappenberger known as "Vern" was born 20 May 1877 in Clarion County, PA and died 12 July 1934 in Sapulpa, Creek County, Oklahoma.  His obituary headline read:  "Prominent Oilman Here Was Killed In Accident On Lease Yesterday".  Vern married Daisy L. BARRACK who was born 26 August 1889 in West Virginia and died January 1971.  They and their two sons are buried in South Heights Cemetery, Sapulpa, Oklahoma.  They had two children.

a.  Jack L. Knappenberger was born 16 February 1913 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and died March 1930.

b. William Allen Knappenberger known as "Bill" was born 16 March 1916 in Sapulpa, Creek County, Oklahoma.   He married Judith Elizabeth BERRY, daughter of John Doyle Berry and Gertrude Morrow,  on 17 June 1936.  This marriage ended in divorce.  Judith was born 7 August 1916 in Sapulpa,Oklahoma and died 15 December 1955 in Los Angeles County, California.  She remarried to a Mr. Brennan.  Judith Berry Brennan is buried in South Heights Cemetery, Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Bill and Judy had one daughter:  

Judith Elizabeth Knappenberger  was born 28 July 1938 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and died 7 January 2004 in Dallas County, Texas.   She married Walter H. Brownfield on 13 October 1971.  This marriage ended in divorce in 1979.  They had no children.

Bill Knappenberger re- married to Vera Pauline Frank, daughter of Noah Frank and Hannah Victoria Tingley.  Vera was born 9 September 1903 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and died 29 September 1965 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.   Bill and Vera as well as Bill's daughter from his first marriage, Judith Brownfield, are all buried in South Heights Cemetery, Sapulpa, Creek County, Oklahoma.

5. Susan P. Knappenberger known as "Susie" was born June 1879 in Clarion County, PA and died 1971 in Clarion County, PA.   She married Louis Eugene KNIGHT, son of Daniel R. and Ann KNIGHT,  about 1907.  Louis was born 24 November 1878 in Clarion County, PA  and died 1953.  He was a merchant in Monroe, PA.  They are buried in St. Mark's Cemetery, Monroe, Clarion Co., PA.  He is a younger brother of Elmer Knight who married Minnie Knight.   They had one son.

a. Harold K. Knight was born 30 July 1913  in Clarion County, PA and died January 1983 in Clarion County, PA.   He married Dorothy L. (maiden name unknown) who was born 1915 and died 1973.   They are buried in St. Mark's Cemetery, Monroe, Clarion Co., PA.

6. Eula Belle Knappenberger was born 28 November 1881 in Monroe, Clarion County, PA and died May 1976 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Eula Bell graduated from Clarion State Normal School and taught in the public school in Trafford City, PA.  The 1930 census lists her as a teacher in Connellsville, Fayette County, PA.   Eula Belle never married.  She later moved to Oklahoma.   There she is buried in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

7. Mabel C. Knappenberger was born 28 September 1883 in Clarion County, PA and died November 1968 in Knox, Clarion County, PA.  Mabel never married.  In the 1920 census, she was living with her parents, and, in 1930, Mabel was 46 years old and single and living with her widowed mother, Emma.  Mabel was the postmistress for Monroe, Clarion County, PA.

8. Sarah S. Knappenberger was born 20 July 1885 in Clarion County, PA and died December 1983 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Sarah married Raymond MAUTHE, son of Louis and Lena Mauthe, in 1920 in Oklahoma.  Raymond was born 27 December 1894 in Missouri and died in February 1987 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.   They had a daughter.

a. Eloise Mauthe was born about 1921 in Oklahoma.   She married Mr. STEWART.

9. Viva Knappenberger was born 27 September 1887 in Clarion County, PA and died December 1984 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Viva was a graduate of Clarion State Normal School and was a teacher who later moved to Oklahoma.  She was living in her brother's household (Devern L.) in the 1920 census for Sapulpa, Creek County, Oklahoma as 32 years of age and single.  Viva never married.   She is buried in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

10. Ira Leroy Knappenberger known as Roy was born 23 September 1889 in Beaver Township, Clarion County, PA and died 16 November 1983 in Knox, Clarion County, PA.  Roy was educated at Clarion State Normal School.  He married Anna Ethel WILE, daughter of Israel Isaiah Wile and Celia Etta Best, on 10 September 1913.  Anna was born 18 August 1892 in Clarion County, PA and died 14 November 1973 in Clarion County, PA. They are buried in St. Mark's Cemetery, Monroe, Clarion Co., PA.  This couple had four children:

a.  Frederick Gilger Knappenberger (11 October 1914 in Texas and died 11 October 1984 in Kent County, DE).  He had a son named Ira Leroy Knappenberger with Rose Lahapa Mililani in Honolulu (Rose was born 26 August 1921 in Oahu, Hawaii and died 23 January 1999 in Oahu, Hawaii).  He married Evelyn Marie Bashaw, daughter of Phillip A. Bashaw and Martha M. Spaulding.  Evie was born 3 June 1918 in Vermont and died January 1974.  Frederick married Mildred Weldon, daughter of William Barr Weldon, Sr. and Sarah Amanda Price.  Mildred was born 6 July 1908 in Delaware and died 9 August 1986 in Kent County, DE.

b.  Alvin James Knappenberger.

c.  Raymond Wile Knappenberger, Sr. was born 1 May 1924 in Clarion County, PA and died 4 March 1997 in Salem County, NJ.  He first married Pauline Gertrude Marshall on 18 March 1945.  Pauline was born 27 February 1922 in Armstrong County, PA and died 27 October 1991 in Franklin, PA.   He married Martha Ann Mascilak on 7 July 1956 in Clarion County, PA.  Martha was born 6 August 1933 in Wilkes-Barre, PA and died in Delaware on October 1999.   He had 3 children.

d.  Paul Knappenberger.

11. Alvin Floyd Knappenberger known as "Floyd' or "A.F." was born 11 September 1891 in Clarion County, PA and died 13 October 1980 in Young County, Texas.  Floyd was educated at Clarion State Normal School, served in World War I, and became an oil producer in Texas.  Floyd married Lillian Elizabeth TYRA who was born 1 March 1911 in Texas and died June 1979 in Tarrant County, Texas.  They had one son.

a. Clifford Eugene Knappenberger was born 22 December 1927 and died 21 April 1953.   He married Beulah Lucille Anderson and had a daughter, Karen Kay Knappenberger. 

 

DANIEL KNAPPENBERGER, JR. (1847-1930) 

Daniel was born 21 November 1847 in Salem Township, Clarion County, PA and died 1930 in Clarion County, PA.   A biography reads in part,  "After his father's death the Knappenberger estate was divided between Jacob and himself and he is now the owner of ninety acres of the most arable land in Beaver Township, Clarion County, where he is most successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising.  He also operates an oil well on his farm.  He is a staunch Democrat in his political convictions and he and his wife are devout members of the Reformed Church."  Daniel married Phoebe FRANZ, daughter of Samuel France and Catherine Smith, on 29 August 1872 in Clarion County, PA.  Phoebe was born 27 November 1844 in Armstrong County, PA and died 1931 in Clarion County, PA.  They had four children.

1. Jesse Wilmer Knappenberger was born 8 December 1873 in Monroe, Clarion County, PA and died 1 December 1954 most likely in Clarion County, PA.   Jesse married Estella A. THOMPSON known as "Stella", daughter of Seeley Thompson and Lavina Kramer, on 1 Jan 1901.  Stella was born 17 October 1881 and died 4 August 1966 in Knox, Clarion County, PA.  Jesse was engaged in agricultural operations on his father's farm.  They are buried in St. Mark Cemetery in Monroe, Clarion County, PA.   They had two daughters:

a. Catherine E. Knappenberger was born 4 July 1901 in Clarion County, PA and died 25 July 1990 in Clarion County, PA.  She married Ralph E. MONG, son of Jacob H. and Louella Mong in 1921.  Ralph was born 16 April 1899 in Clarion County, PA and died January 1979 in Clarion County, PA.  Catherine and Ralph are buried in St. Mark Cemetery, Clarion County, PA.   They had 6 children: 

Ruth Alice Mong was born 21 December 1921 in Clarion County, PA and died there 15 July 2008.  She married James Thomas Clark , son of Claude Clarke and Lillian Sallade on 27 June 1941.  James was born 10 January 1922 in clarion county, PA and died there 26 February 2007.  They had two daughters.

Pauline M. Mong was born 1 August 1923 in Clarion County, PA and died 31 October 2001 in Allegheny County, PA. She married Marion H. Van Wormer, son of Wylie Van Wormer and Oprha Heeter, on 7 May 1959.  Marion was born 17 June 1917 in Venango County, PA and died 9 Aug 2002 in Sligo, PA.  They had 3 children.

Eileen F. Mong was born 1 Aug 1923 in Clarion County, PA and was the twin of Pauline.  Eileen died 1924.

 Ralph E. Mong was born about 1925 in Clarion County, PA.

Lois J. Mong was born in 1927 in Clarion County, PA.  She married Clyde O. Rugh, Jr., son of Clyde O Rugh Sr and Pansy E.   Clyde was born 13 January 1923 in Clarion County, PA and died there 6 November 2001.

Charles H. Mong was born 24 Aug 1929 in Clarion County, PA and died there 9 July 2009.  He married Erica Kloepfer.

b. Geraldine Knappenberger was born 8 March 1904 in Clarion County, PA and died Jan 1987 in Florida.  She first married Leo Morris Shirey, son of Jacob M. and Ora Mae Shirey.  Leon was born 19 Nov 1898 in Venango County, PA and died 1934 in Clarion County, PA.  They had one son:   Richard M. Shirey born 1924 in Clarion County, PA who married Hilda M. BOYER 6 Oct 1943 in Topeka, Kansas.  Richard served his country during World War II.

 Geraldine married a second time to a Mr. KLINE.

2. Theodosia "Maud" Knappenberger was born 26 March 1876 in Clarion County, PA and died 24 April 1968 in Clarion County, PA..  She married William Frederick CROPP, son of Henry Cropp and Sophia Sibble, on 16 March 1898.  William was born 3 May 1873 in Clarion County, PA and died December 1964 there.   William was a farmer in Salem Township.  They had a son,:

Willard Knappenberger Cropp born 15 May 1899 in Clarion County, PA and died November 1976.  This family is buried in St. Mark Cemetery, Monroe, Clarion County, PA together.   It would seem that Willard Knappenberger Cropp did not marry.

3. Nora W. Knappenberger was born 5 June 1881 and died 25 November 1881 in Clarion County, PA.   Nora is most likely buried in St. Mark Cemetery.

4. Hobert Knappenberger was born 14 November 1882 and died 2 April 1883 in Clarion County, PA.   He is buried in St. Mark Cemetery.

Thanks to Linda Tomaszek for sharing her wonderful research!

JESSE (JOSIAH E.) KNAPENBERGER (1852-1927)    (Grandson of Daniel and Lydia Knappenberger/Son of Josiah Knappenberger)

Josiah E.  KNAPENBERGER (one "p") known as Jesse  was born 7 April 1852 in Clarion County, PA and died 5 July 1927 in Cattaraugus County, New York.  He was the son of Josiah Knappenberger (1833-1871) and Mary Dierlof (Dearolph).   Jesse was raised by his mother who had married Gotlieb Ensle in Beaver Twp., Clarion County, PA.  Jesse/Josiah was listed in this Gotlieb Ensle household in the 1860 and 1870 census.  Mary and Gotlieb Ensle had 8 children together and moved to Kansas between 1880 and 1885.   They are buried in Lane Cemetery, Franklin County, Kansas.

Jesse married Marilda "Catherine" WILE, daughter of George Washington Conrad WILE and his first wife, Maria BARTLETT.  Catherine was born 23 December 1855 in Clarion County, PA and died 18 February 1943 in Limestone, Cattaraugus County, New York.  They are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. They had eight children.

1. Lester B. Knapenberger was born 21 October 1876 in Clarion County, PA and died 28 October 1958 in Limestone, Cattaraugus County, New York.  Lester lost an arm while working on an oil derrick.  He never married.  He was living with his widowed mother in the 1930 census for Carrollton Township, Cattaraugus County, New York at 52 years of age and single.

2. Minnie Belle Knapenberger was born 8 August 1878 in Clarion County, PA and died 22 August 1950 in Bradford, McKean County, PA.  She married Dexter D.  KISER known as "Dessie" who was the son of Daniel DEXTER.  Dexter was born 18 May 1870 (though some records indicate a birth year of 1865) in Clarion County, PA and died 25 December 1948 in Bradford, PA.  They are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.  This couple had three children:  

a.  Lester Charles Kiser born 22 February 1898 in Clarion County, PA and died 2 September 1925 in Bradford, PA due to a gunshot at the Bradford Railway Express Office.  His grave marker at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bradford, PA reads that he was a Private in the Pennsylvania 16th Calvary in World War I.  In the 1920 census, Lester C. was 21 years of age and a soldier.

b.  Leitha Myra Kiser born 17 April 1901 in Clarion County, PA and died 19 May 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut.  She was a teacher and school principal in Bradford, PA prior to her marriage.  She married William Mathias VON WINKLE on 26 December 1940 in Olean, New York.  William was born 5 April 1893 in New Haven, Connecticut and died 6 February 1951 in Hamden, CT.  Leitha had two step-children.

c.  Wallace "Ray" Kiser  was born 5 June 1917 in PA and died 6 November 1998 in Bradford, McKean County, PA.   He married Edna DIBBLE who was born 20 December 1916 and died 15 August 1978 in Bradford, PA.   They had three children.  

3. Bertha Mae Knapenberger was born 6 August 1880 in Clarion County, PA and died 14 February 1939.  She first married a Mr. JOHNSON and had three sons: Leonard Johnson, William Johnson and Paul Johnson.  She then married a Mr. HILL.

4. Myrna Catherine Knapenberger was born 26 March 1883 in Clarion County, PA and died 21 May 1971.  Myrna first married a Mr. COONEY who died while fighting in World War I and then married Alfred C. McHENRY after 1930.  She had no children from either of her marriages.

5. Mabel Sophia Knapenberger was born 22 June 1885 in Clarion County, PA and died 14 September 1928.  She married Sherman SWANSON and had no children.

6. Iva Elmeda Knapenberger was born 21 September 1887 in Clarion County, PA and died 15 March 1910 in New York.  She never married but she did have one son Jesse Wayne Knapenberger who was born in 1908.  He was adopted and raised by his grandparents.

a. Jesse Wayne Knapenberger known as " Wayne" was born 15 January 1908 in Clarion County, PA and died 26 December 1991 in Limestone, Cattaraugus County, New York.  He was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during World War II.  He married Luella D. LUDWIG, daughter of George Ludwig and Bessie Mae Wilson.  Luella was born 17 March 1912 and died 19 January 1996 in Limestone, New York.  No children were born to this couple.

7. Guy Elmer Knapenberger was born 21 July 1890 in Monroe, Clarion County, PA and died 31 January 1964 in Salamanca, New York.  Guy was known to remark that the name was long enough, don't need that extra "p"!  On some documentation, his name is listed as Elmer Guy Knapenberger.  Guy moved from Clarion County, PA to the Bradford, PA area to work in the oilfields.  Guy married Clara Enola MACKENZIE, daughter of Clarence Lockhart MacKenzie and Clara Bosworth, on 17 June 1916 in Olean, New York.  Clara was born 20 April 1893 in Limestone, Cattaraugus County, New York.  She died 15 January 1970 in Bradford, PA.   This couple had five children:  

a.  Mary Ione Knapenberger (3 March1918 PA-21 July 1976 California).  She married Harold KYSOR (3 September 1917 NY-26 December 1971 California).

b.  Janet Elaine Knapenberger (16 August 1921 PA-1999).   She married Gerald Martin BUSHEY (2 August 1918- 2 May 1989 Florida)

c. Clara Kathryn Knapenberger (1924).  She married Fred Mc Gee.  Her second marriage was to Jack A. SCHEFFER (3 December 1924-21 October 2000) 

d.  Edith Ann Knapenberger (21 June 1926- 27 December 1992 New York)).  She married Lee M. ROBBINS. 

e. Jesse MacKenzie Knapenberger (25 September 1930 PA -21 April 1991 PA).  He married Laverna Marie SCHULTZ.  

Guy Elmer Knapenberger and, his wife, Clara Enola [MacKenzie] Knapenberger's gravemarkers
Limestone Cemetery, Carrollton, Cattaraugus County, New York
[photo graciously provided by Marilyn Kumkpf]

8. Mary "Irene" B. Knapenberger was born 23 July 1893 in Pennsylvania and died 12 September 1974 in Limestone, Cattaraugus County, New York.  She married a Mr. WHERLE and they had no children. She lived in New York City.

9.  Jesse "Wayne" Knapenberger, the adopted son of Jesse Knappenberger and Catherine Wile, was in fact their grandson [see Iva Imelda above].   

For more information on the DELO family history,
click on the following: DELO HISTORY

Additions and corrections are most welcome!
Contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net

SPECIAL THANKS TO

• The Clarion County Historical Society and their volunteers!

• Cindy Knappenberger Doty, Mike Gordon, Dorman Holub of Graham TX, Loren Leleo, Teva Knappenberger of Hawaii, Jim and Kay Scheffer, Becky Aaronson, LaVerna Knapenberger, Ann Dolan who provided invaluable assistance on the Coon Rapids family, and Linda Von Winkle Tomaszek on the Kiser family and many more!