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HENRY KNAPPENBERGER FAMILY
OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
AND ILLINOIS AND MISSOURI AND KANSAS

UPDATED  April 14, 2008

GENERAL INFORMATION

Henry Knappenberger was born 17 May 1798 in Franklin Township, Westmoreland County, PA.  He was the eldest son of John Knappenberger and grandson of Conrad Knappenberger.  Henry remained in Westmoreland County but many of his children moved westward in search of new land and opportunities.   Henry died 17 July 1854 in Westmoreland County, PA and is buried in Denmark Manor Church cemetery.  The 1850 census indicates Henry was a farmer with his wife, Hannah and their children.  A biography on Hannah indicates that this couple had 17 children with three dying young.

Henry married Hannah PAINTER, the daughter of George and Catherine BENDER, on 18 June 1824 in Westmoreland County, PA.  The German name Bender was changed to Painter with this generation due to its German pronunciation.  [See spelling variation page.]   Hannah was born 4 March 1804 in Manordale, Westmoreland County, PA and died 4 August 1889 in Andrew County, Missouri and buried in Whitesville Cemetery.  From a biography written about her son, John, in 1883 we learn "His mother, however, formerly Miss Hannah Painter, is still living at an advanced age, and is a resident of Andrew County, Missouri a venerable and motherly old lady, highly esteemed by all who know her."

From Vinnie Knappenberger's family history of 1916 we learn,
"Henry died in 1854 and was buried in Denmark Manor Churchyard.  His wife with all her sons and daughters but Moses and Katherine moved to Illinois and later to Missouri where she later died and where her children and children's children still live.  Among their number are farmers, teachers, business and professional men and women, a strong, sturdy, intelligent race.  Many of this branch became members of the Christian Church, and like their early ancestors have been and are active workers in their church homes."

CHILDREN

LUCINDA KNAPPENBERGER (1825-1873)

Lucinda was born 31 January 1825 in Franklin Township, Westmoreland County, PA and died 20 February 1873 in Sciota Township, McDonough County, Illinois.  She married Israel ALLSHOUSE, son of Isaac Israel Allshouse and Magdalene Margaret Miniam, on 29 February 1844 in Westmoreland County, PA.  Israel was born 4 February 1820 in Salem Township, Westmoreland County, PA and died 13 March 1904 in Sciota, McDonough County, Illinois.  This couple had 5 children:  Margaret, Mary Jane, Hannah, Arabella and Henry.  For more information and for photos of this family, click on her name above.

MOSES KNAPPENBERGER (1826-1898)

Moses was born 7 January 1826 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 7 April 1898 in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, PA.  He had a child with Catherina Anna KISTLER, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Kistler, named Elizabeth Hanna Knappenberger born 6 January 1850 - but this couple did not marry.  Moses married  Magdalene CRUSHORE known as "Martha", daughter of Johann George Crushore and Anna Elizabeth Margaret Baugham, about 1851.   Moses and Martha had 9 children:  Margaret Elisabeth, Mary Caroline, George Washington, Sara Emma A., Henry J., Darwin Taylor, William, James Gregg, and Jane Annie C.  For more information on this family, click on his name above.

GEORGE W. KNAPPENBERGER (1827-1897)

George W. 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.  Marjorie was born 20 December 1828 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 1 January 1907 in Good Hope, Illinois.  This couple had 9 children:  Henry, Francis J. "Frank", John, Ella May, Charles D., Iva Belle, George Burton (Bert), Clarence A., and Harvey Chase.   For more information on this family including many photos, click on the name above.

AARON KNAPPENBERGER (1828-?)

Aaron was born about 1828 in Westmoreland County, PA and died at a young age.  
He was one of three children who died in early childhood.

JOHN K. KNAPPENBERGER (1829-1902)

John K. was born 13 October 1829 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 21 October 1902 in Brunswick, Chariton County, Missouri.  He married Mary Jane ROSS on 11 January 1853 in McDonough County, Illinois.  Mary was born 30 October 1835 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana and died 20 February 1907.  This couple had 8 children:  H. Arabella, James Edward, William Albert, Harry Douglas, Meredith Archer, Nellie O., Eva L., and Robert.   For more information on this family, click on the name above.

MARGARET ANN KNAPPENBERGER (1832-1910)

Ann Margaret [Knappenberger] Corder

[photo graciously provided by Claylain Wilson Starr]

Ann Margaret (or Margaret Ann) was born March 1832 in Westmoreland County, PA and died in April 1910 in Union Star, DeKalb County, Missouri.  She married John W. CORDER on 12 September 1858 in McDonough County, Illinois.  John was born about 1833 in Illinois and died 1878/1879 in DeKalb County, Missouri.  He was the son of Phillip T. and Julia Ann Corder.  About 1865, this couple moved to Missouri.  The 1880 census for Polk Township, DeKalb County, Missouri lists Ann M. Corder as a widow with six children:  Philip Timothy, Charles H., William, Julia Ann, Della N., and John M.  Vinnie Knappenberger's family history stated that this family moved to Colorado, and many of the children did move there just after 1900, and then some moved onto California.

Special thanks to John David Corder and Claylain Starr
 for their assistance with the Corder Family!

CATHERINE KNAPPENBERGER (1833-1904)

Catherine was born 15 February 1833 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 2 March 1904 in Westmoreland County, PA.  She married Isaac W. WENTZEL, son of John Wentzel and Susanna Miller, on 12 October 1854 in Westmoreland County, PA.  Isaac was born 16 March 1832 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 17 March 1905 in Westmoreland County, PA.  Isaac fought in the Civil War as a Private enlisting 14 March 1864.  They are buried in Harrold's Reformed Church Cemetery.  Catherine and Isaac had 3 children.

1. James Coulter Wentzel born 10 July 1855 in Westmoreland County, PA and died in 1932 in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA.  He married Anna M. BAER on 18 April 1878 in Westmoreland County.  Anna was born in 1858 and died in 1937 in Westmoreland County, PA.  This family is buried in Harrold's Reformed Church Cemetery.  They had 3 sons.

a. Arthur W. Wentzel was born December 1878 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 16 July 1890 in Westmoreland County, PA.  He is buried in Harrold's Church Cemetery.

b. James "Garfield" Wentzel was born in 1881 and died 1944 in Westmoreland County, PA.  He was a civil engineer and did not marry.  He is buried in Harrold's Church Cemetery.

c. William F. was born in 1886 and died 1946 in Westmoreland County, PA.  He was a music teacher and never married.  He is buried in Harrold's Church Cemetery.

2. Henry Abner Wentzell was born 13 October 1856 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 1941 in Westmoreland County, PA.  He married Mary Jane GOODLIN, daughter of Henry and Mary J. Goodlin, on 11 March 1880 in Westmoreland County, PA.  Mary was born 28 August 1856 and died 11 February 1934 in Westmoreland County, PA.  They are buried at Harrold's Reformed Church Cemetery.  This couple had 2 children.

a. Minnie Jeanette Wentzell was born 28 December 1880 and died 2 March 1976 in Westmoreland County, PA.  She never married and lived with her parents.

b. Charles Homer Wentzell was born 25 December 1884 and died 10 January 1952 in Westmoreland County, PA .  Charles Homer married Twyla K. SCOTT about 1910.  Twyla was born about 1891 in Pennsylvania and died sometime after 1930.  They are buried in Harrold's Church Cemetery.  They had 3 children. 

Helen Rosalie Wentzell was born 1 December 1912 and died 2 January 1989.  She was first married at the age of 17 to possibly a HETLER but this marriage did not last.  On 1 December 1934, she married Hiram Roger PORTER, son of Frank S. Porter.  Hiram was born 7 March 1908 in Fayette County, PA.

Charles Scott Wentzell was born 10 January 1914.  He married Eleanor Marie HETLER, daughter of Alvin Hetler and Sally Root, on 25 May 1950 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, PA.  Eleanor was born 30 July 1916 in Fayette County, PA.

John "Richard" Wentzell was born in 1916 in Westmoreland County, PA.  He married Nancy K. THOMPSON who was born 20 October 1922 and died August 1983.  Richard served with the US Army in World War II.

3. Alice Lucinda Wentzel was born 18 April 1859 in Westmoreland County and died 1935 in Westmoreland County, PA. She married John M. KEENER, son of Michael G. and Elizabeth Keener, about 1882.  John was born July 1857 in Westmoreland County, PA and died there 11 May 1938.  This couple had 4 children.

a. Bertha L. Keener known as "Birdie" born 10 June 1882 and died December 1977 in Westmoreland County, PA.  She married J. Edward  SHUEY  about 1904.  J. Edward was born 1882 and died 1954.  They are buried in Harrold's Church Cemetery.  They had 6 children - all born  in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA

John C. Shuey (1905-1975)
Geraldine Shuey (born about 1908)
Evaline Shuey (born about 1910)
Jean E. Shuey (born about 1913)
Helen B. Shuey (born about 1915)
Donald R. Shuey (about 1924)

b. Homer Leon Keener, Sr. was born 2 December 1884 and died 2 July 1949 in Westmoreland County, PA.  Homer  married Clara M. WALLRABENSTEIN about 1909.  Clara was born 12 May 1891 and died 19 January 1959 in Westmoreland County, PA.  They had 5 children.

Ruth Elizabeth Keener was born 5 January 1910 and died 6 October 1994 in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA.  She never married.

 Homer Leon Keener, Jr. was born 5 August 1911 and died March 1983 in Westmoreland County, PA.  He married Emmy Lou ZERCHER on 7 November 1935.  Emmy Lou was born 1 October 1912 and died October 1976.

Dorothy Alice Keener was born 2 June 1914 and died 2 July 1994 in Greensburg, PA.  She married Richard L. BROOKS, Sr.  Richard was born 4 September 1913 and died 12 June 1996.

John R. Keener known as "Jack" was born about 1919 in Westmoreland County, PA.

Martha R. Keener was born 23 May 1923 and died 7 February 1998 in Florida.  She married Frank C. VIERLING, Sr. in 1945.  Frank was born 30 December 1921 in Illinois and died 16 August 2000 in Florida.

c. Hilda E. Keener born about 1888 in Westmoreland County, PA and died sometime after 1930.  She married Charles F. DeVAUX about 1919 who was born about 1889.  They had 1 daughter.

Betty J. DeVaux was born about 1920 in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA.

d. Lemuel O. Keener was born 16 February 1891 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 1971 in Westmoreland County, PA.  He married Harriet K. HOFFER, daughter of Jacob Hoffer and Catherine Kettering, on 19 September 1919.  She was born 3 September 1890 and died 1993 in Westmoreland County, PA.  They are buried in Harrold's Church Cemetery.

SARAH M. KNAPPENBERGER (1834-1917)

Sarah M. known as "Sallie" was born 11 Nov 1834 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 30 October 1917 in Andrew County, Missouri.  She never married.  She is buried in Whitesville Cemetery, Andrew County, Missouri along with her mother and a number of her siblings.    She raised two of her sister's children (Elizabeth Allen):  Charles Allen and Britt Allen, after the death of their mother in the early 1870's.

SOLOMON KNAPPENBERGER (1834-?)

Solomon was born in 1834 in Westmoreland County, PA and possibly was the twin of Sarah.  Solomon, however, did not survive childhood.

HANNAH KNAPPENBERGER (1835-1884)

Hannah was born 10 September 1835 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 30 September 1884 in Emmet Township, McDonough County, Illinois.  Hannah moved to Illinois in 1855 with her family and married John W.H. McLEOD on 16 January 1876 in McDonough County, Illinois.  John was born 1836 in Winchester, Virginia and died January 1886 in Emmet Township, McDonough County, Illinois.  This couple had no children.  John was a farmer.

HENRY A. KNAPPENBERGER (1837-1910)

Henry was born 7 June 1837 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 8 November 1914 in Earlsboro, Seminole County, Oklahoma.  He married Anna Mary SHAW on 29 August 1869 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Anna was born 14 April 1839 in Ohio or Illinois and died 9 November 1878 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Henry and Anna had 1 son:  George L. Knappenberger born in 1870.   Henry remarried after the death of his first wife to Martha Elvira DEAN on 15 February 1880.  Martha was born 26 December 1860 and died 2 September 1948 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  Henry and Martha had 5 children:  Frank, Agnes, Alma, Homer, and Clarence.  For more information on this family, click on his name above.

ELIAS KNAPPENBERGER (1838-1917)

Elias known as "Eli" was born 7 December 1838 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 4 May 1917 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Elias married Mary C. JACOBY, daughter of Andrew Jacoby and Ann Jones,  on 20 October 1861 in McDonough County, Illinois.  She was born 9 July 1838 in Pennsylvania and died 2 November 1915 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Eli and Mary are buried in Flag Springs Cemetery in Andrew County, MO.  They had 1 son.

1. Henry Knappenberger known as "Harry" was born 12 August 1862 in McDonough County, Illinois and died 1 June 1925 in Polk Twp., DeKalb Co., Missouri.  Harry married Alice E. JENKINS, daughter of David F. Jenkins and Mary J. Martin  on 9 October 1889 in Buchanan County, Missouri.  Alice was born 5 June 1866 in Missouri and died 13 October 1921 in Missouri.  In the 1920 census, Harry was living in Polk Township, DeKalb County, Missouri with his family.  

a. Harry and Alice adopted a son named Raymond Lee Knappenberger (birth name was Raymond Lee Benton) who was born 19 July 1907 in Pemenssot County, Missouri and died in December 1967 in Andrew County, MO.  Raymond Lee Knappenberger married Nina Virginia McCAULEY, daughter of Noah Andrew McCauley and Flossie Davis.  Nina was born 12 December 1907 in DeKalb County, Missouri and died 21 September 1996 in Ray County, Missouri.  Raymond and Nina are buried in Whitesville Cemetery, Andrew County, Missouri.  This couple had a son named Harry Ray Knappenberger who was born 3 February 1930 in Andrew County, Missouri and died 19 August 1996 in Ray County, Missouri.

b. The 1920 census for Harry and Alice also lists another child named Gertrude who was 10 years old at the time.  Gertrude would have been born about 1909 in Missouri.  Nothing further is known of her at this time.

Harriett, also known as "Henrietta", was born 8 May 1841 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 5 January 1908 in Andrew County, Missouri.  She married Nelson EDWARDS, son of Nathan and Tabitha Edwards on 4 February 1869 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Nelson was born 6 November 1841 in Indiana and died 12 February 1930 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Harriett and Nelson are buried in Whitesville Cemetery in Andrew County, Missouri along with their son, Arthur.  In the 1870 census, Harriet and Nelson were living in Irwin Twp., Brown County, Kansas with Harriet's sister, Elizabeth and her husband, J.B. Allen working as grocers.  In the1880 census, this family was living in Platte Township, Andrew County, Missouri with one son, Arthur, age 6, and a niece, Gabrilla Allen, age 11 [see below].  In the 1920 census, Nelson is a widow and his niece, Gay Allen, is keeping house for him.  Also in the household is a great-niece, Merse Allen, age 22, single and a teacher.

1. Arthur Charles Edwards was born October 1873 in Brown County, Kansas and died 12 Feb 1950 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., Missouri.   He married Ella S. (maiden name unknown) about 1895.  Ella was born December 1875 in Iowa.  They had 1 child.

a. Elsietta C. Edwards who was born 24 March 1898 in Andrew County, Missouri and died February 1987 in Denver, Colorado.  Elsie married Gordon E. RUTHERFORD (Sr.) about 1917.  Gordon was born 17 April 1896 in Missouri and died December 1986 in Denver, Colorado.  They had 2 children.

Catherine E. Rutherford born December 1919 in Andrew County, Missouri

Gordon E. Rutherford, Jr. born about 1921 most likely in Andrew County, Missouri.

ISRAEL KNAPPENBERGER (1842-1916)

Israel was born in 20 April 1842 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 6 Sept 1916 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Israel married Margaret E. WELLS, daughter of  Marion and Sarah E. Wells, on 30 January 1881 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Margaret was born 18 June 1861 in Missouri and died 1947 in Iowa.  Israel and Margaret are buried in Bolckow Cemetery, Andrew County, Missouri.  After Israel's death, Margaret moved to Sioux City, Iowa where she lived with her daughters, Lillis and Nelle.  This couple had 4 children.

1. Estella (aka Stella) Knappenberger was born in August 1882 in Andrew County, Missouri and died sometime after the 1930 census.  She married John L. BARROW on 25 March 1903 in Andrew County, Missouri.  John was born about 1876 in Iowa.   They had two children:  Lawrence C. Barrow born about 1908 in Andrew Co., Missouri and died 18 Feb 1971 in Kerrville, Kerr County, Texas and a daughter named Mary Ellen Barrow born about 1914 in Missouri and died 15 Jan 1973 in Baytown, Harris County, Texas.  In the 1930 census this family was living in Monroe County, Mississippi.

2. Henry Clay Knappenberger was born 28 March 1886 in Andrew County, Missouri and died January 1966 in Blytheville, Mississippi County, Arkansas.  In the 1920 census, Henry C. Knappenberger was living in Chickasawba, Mississippi County, Arkansas at the age of 33 and single.  In 1939, he was working for the Mississippi Company Electric Cooperative in Blytheville, Arkansas.  It seems that Henry never married.

3. Lillis L. Knappenberger was born in January 1889 in Andrew County, Missouri.  In 1920, she was living in Ames City, Iowa where she was single and a college teacher.  She lived with her widowed mother and her sister, Nelle.   It seems that Lillis never married for a telegram was received from her in 1938 with the name "Lillis Knappenberger". 

4. Nelle (or Nell) Maurine Knappenberger was born  19 June 1894 in Andrew County, Missouri and died 15 April 1969 in San Francisco, California.     In 1920, Nelle was living in Ames City, Iowa where she was single and a college teacher.  She lived with her sister, Lillis, and her widowed mother.  About 1921, Nell married Harlan(d) Woodbridge JOHNSON who was born 8 November 1891 in Iowa and died 1 February 1970 in Alameda County, California.  They had 1 daughter.

a. Joyce Lillis Johnson was born 23 December 1929 in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa and died 30 November 1996 in Oakland, Alameda County, California.  She married a Mr. GROVE.

MICHAEL F. KNAPPENBERGER (1845-1902)

Michael F. (who went by M.F.) was born 20 November 1845 in Westmoreland County, PA and died 20 September 1902 in Jewell County, Kansas.  Michael was educated at Lombard College, taught school in Aurora IL, was a principal in Hiawatha KS, passed the bar, practiced in the Kansas Supreme Court, served two terms in the Kansas Legislature, was chairman of the Kansas Railroad Committee, and was regent of State Normal School.  Michael married Caroline Ada BYRAM on 3 November 1875 in Jewell County, Kansas.  Caroline was born 3 November 1849 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois and died 11 March 1904 in Jewell County, Kansas.  They are buried in Wallace, Kansas.  They had 3 daughters:

1. Bessie Clair Knappenberger who was born 28 February 1880 in Jewell County, Kansas and died in April 1970 in Los Angeles, California.  She married Lee GRAMLEY on 5 August 1905 in Kansas.  Lee was born 19 June 1876 in Jewell County, Kansas.

2. Florence Elizabeth Knappenberger who was born 23 April 1883 in Jewell County, Kansas and died 2 January 1942 in Lebanon, Smith County, Kansas.  She married Charles J. ARBUTHNOT.  Charles was born 2 April 1884 in Jewell County, Kansas.  They had 1 daughter.

a. Elise A. Arbuthnot was born 31 December 1905 in Missouri and died 28 June 1983 in Los Angeles County, California.  Elise married a Mr. BYLER.

3. Ada Ruth Knappenberger known as "Ruth"  was born 9 September 1884 in Jewell County, Kansas.  She died 5 January 1954 in San Diego, California.  Ruth married James CARBARY on 3 March 1921 in San Diego, California.  James was born 12 July 1888 in Muscatine, Iowa and died 19 April 1971 in Los Angeles County, CA.   James was a Gunnery Sergeant with the U.S. Marines during World War I.  He received the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross for his heroism in France on 12 June 1918.   Ada and James are both buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery. 

ELIZABETH S. KNAPPENBERGER (1846-c.1873?)

Elizabeth known as "Lizzie" was born 20 December 1845 in Westmoreland County, PA and died about 1873 in Kansas.  She married Jonathan Boone ALLEN, son of Lewis Allen and Chloe Casebier,  on 5 January 1868 in Andrew County, Missouri.  Jonathan was born 5 July 1844 in Andrew County, Missouri and died October 1880.   Their three children were raised by Elizabeth's relations since in the 1880 census, children are living with various aunts and uncles.  They had 3 children.

1. Gabrilla Allen known as "Gay" was born about 1869 in Brown County, Kansas.  In 1880, she was living with her aunt and uncle, Harriet and Nelson Edwards, in Platte Township, Andrew County, Missouri at the age of 11.  In 1910 and  1920, she was living with her widowed uncle, Nelson, and keeping house for him at the age of 51 and single (in 1920).  Gay may be the mother of Merse Allen, age 22, single and a school teacher listed in the same household in the 1920 census.  

2.  Charles Lewis Allen, MD  was born 28 Oct 1870 in Kansas.  In 1880, he was living with his uncle, Israel Knappenberger (single), and his aunt, Sarah Knappenberger (single), and his grandmother, Hannah Knappenberger in Andrew County, Missouri.  He was listed as 10 years old at that time.   In the 1920 and 1930 censuses for Cosby, Andrew County, Missouri we find him listed as a medical doctor with his wife Anna Lou KIMBERLIN, daughter of F. Kimberlin and Ruth Halbert.  Anna was born 17 Sept 1873 in Andrew County, MO and died there 16 July 1937.  They are buried in Bethel Cemetery in Cosby, Missouri.

3.  Britt M. Allen known as "Britty" was born about 1872 in Brown County, Kansas.  She was living with her aunt and uncle and grandmother along with her brother [see above] in 1880 in Andrew County, Missouri.  She was listed as 8 years old at the time.  In the 1910 census for Platte Twp., Andrew County, MO, Britt Allen is listed as 36 years of age, single, born in Kansas, living with her Aunt Sarah Knappenberger.  We do not know if she ever married.

CHILD KNAPPENBERGER

A biography of Hannah Knappenberger mentions that she had 17 children.  A specific name for this child has not been determined nor any specific birth date.  In some places, the 17th child is named "Allen" however that name would be highly unusual.  Perhaps some researcher have confused his sister Elizabeth's married name (see above) with the name for the 17th child.

If you would like more information or can share further information on this family, please contact us at jsappleton@alletl.net

Numerous  family members have responded 
to requests for information 
and have shared their family information 
for which we are grateful.   
All cannot be listed here but...

SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO