The Knappenberger Family The
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DATABASE MAINTAINED BY: WEBSITE DESIGNED BY: PROOFREADER
AND RESEARCHER EXTRAORDINAIRE:
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One of the foundations of this family history was a book and family tree published by Vinnie E. Knappenberger of Greensburg, PA in 1916 entitled History of the Johann Erhart Knappenberger Freundschaft from 1749 to 1916. Her research was based primarily on family tradition. Much of her information was invaluable especially relating to Conrad Knappenberger's descendants. However, some of her history has been proven to be inaccurate based on new information and research.
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A very special thanks and recognition goes to Mrs. Dorothy Elsie Worman Swezak of Allentown, PA who researched the family and published a book in 1990 entitled Gilbert, Knappenberger, Jarrett & Allied Families. Her research on early German ancestors and the original 1700s immigrants especially the descendants of J. Michael's son, J. Henry, was an invaluable resource. Dorothy's research and book was a wonderful foundation upon which we have expanded. She was the researcher to determine which sons belonged to Erhard and which ones belonged to Michael. Her genealogical skills are unrivaled and are truly appreciated and admired.
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The catalyst for this project was the interest and research provided by Richard Heckman and Gertrude Keirn, descendents of Conrad Knappenberger via his grandson, John Knappenberger of Armstrong County, PA. They were the ones to "discover" Dorothy Worman's book and then added further knowledge of the family through their own personal research. They first put the family tree information onto a computer database. These two cousins then passed on their enthusiasm and interest to me, Sue Appleton, who expanded the project to include all Knappenbergers. |
For the past 2 years, new genealogical tools and research have come online making it possible to further the Knappenberger family history. We feel that many holes have been filled along with new branches found. With the help of many "cousins" around the country, we hope to continue our family project.
A very special thanks goes to my father, Allen J. Knappenberger of Armstrong County, PA, who instilled in me a desire to learn more about our family and made me proud to be a Knappenberger. Thanks, Dad! Sue |
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One of the major purposes of this family history project and website is to give our Knappenberger "cousins" an opportunity to make family connections not only back to Germany but to each other as well. We have enabled a number of Knappenberger cousins around the country to make those connections to earlier generations as well as to current relatives. Many times we've read emails that stated "I didn't think that I had any relatives and now I do!" This is perhaps been our greatest feeling of accomplishment from this project. The stories are many including:
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