JACOB KNAPPENBERGER FAMILY
OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Under Review: August 2023
Johan Michael
(1709-1751)
V
Johan Henrich
(1744-1818)
V
Johan Philip
(1776-1851)
V
Jacob
(1808-1884)
V
William Wendling (1835-1904) > 1 Child
Harrison (1838-1886) > 8 Children
Benjamin K. (1842-1910) > 10 Children
Alexander (1846-1928) > 10 Children
Joshua (c1853-1862)
George W. (?)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Jacob was born 6 October 1808 in Northampton County, PA (later to become Lehigh County in 1812) and died 15 August 1884 in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA. Jacob married Catherine Gertrude WENDLING known as “Charity” on 28 May 1835. Charity, the daughter of Henry Wendling and Catherine Heimbach, was born 25 October 1815 in Hereford Township, Berks County, PA and died 9 May 1888 in Lehigh County, PA. This couple is buried at St. Peter Union Church, Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA. They had six children.
Centennial Quilt constructed by G. Knappenberger, who was probably Gertrude Wendling Knappenberger, about 1876 in Pennsylvania commemorating our nation’s 100th birthday. It was exhibited at The Quilt Gallery, 19 East 80 Street, New York City; published in a calendar for the 1976 US Bicentennial; and remains in the Quilt collection at the Folk Art Museum of New York City. Donna Marie Guzie Gilbert is a second great-granddaughter of Gertrude Wendling Knappenberger. She is interested in learning more about Gertrude and specifically more about her quilts since she too is a quilter. If anyone knows more about Gertrude and her quilts or possibly owns a quilt, Donna would like to hear from you! You can reach her at guziegirl@verizon.net.
CHILDREN
WILLIAM WENDLING KNAPPENBERGER (1836-1904)
William Wendling Knappenberger was born 24 June 1835 in Berks County or Lehigh County, PA and died 30 September 1904 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Isabella Susanna BREISCH, daughter of Benjamin Breisch and Lucy Keenly, on 7 February 1885. Isabella was born 28 July 1846 and died 20 September 1930 in Lehigh County, PA. William is buried at St. Peter UCC Church Cemetery in Lehigh County, PA. William married Isabella late in life at the age of 49. William and Isabella had one daughter.
Before her marriage to William, Isabella Breisch had a daughter with her employer, Edward Anderson, named Lucy M. ANDERSON. Lucy was born 2 August 1876 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 May 1956 in Lehigh County, PA. She was buried in St. Peter’s UCC Cemetery, Macungie, Lehigh County, PA. Lucy M. Anderson, daughter of Isabella Breisch Knappenberger and step-daughter of William Wendling Knappenberger, married John Franklin SNYDER, son of George Snyder and Eliza A. Ettinger, about 1899. They had three children: Florence E. Snyder (born February 1899), Nelson John Snyder (25 July 1904-18 June 1935) and Mari I. Snyder (1909-2003).
We believe Lucy had a son named Leroy William HARTZELL prior to her marriage to John Franklin Snyder. Leroy was raised by his grandmother, Isabella Knappenberger, and was living with her in the 1900 census as 4 years old and the 1910 census at the age of 14.
Leroy William Hartzell was born 27 May 1895 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Mabel M. REHM, daughter of John Roehm and Malida Fetter/Feather. This couple had two sons: Charles Ellsworth Hartzell (born 27 June 1915 in Lehigh County, PA) and William Benjamen Hartzell (19 March 1917- 27 February 1988). These two young boys were put into an orphanage and eventually adopted. William Benjamen was adopted by the Peter and Margaret GEBHARDT family and his last name was changed accordingly. His adopted mother, Margaret, remarried to John Rupple sometime during the 1920s. We do not know who adopted Charles Ellsworth. We would like to learn more about the circumstances of these adoptions as well as the name of Leroy’s father and what became of Leroy William Hartzell.
After the breakup of the marriage between Leroy William Hartzell and Mabel Rehm, Mabel went into service for the Meitzler Family as indicated by the 1920 census and then by the 1930 census was a servant in the household of Victor M. Bianckini in Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA. Eventually Mabel lived with Victor as husband and wife but they never married. Mabel died 24 March 1946 and was listed as Mrs. Mabel Rehm Bianckini.
1. Maria Susanna Knappenberger known as “Mary”, the only child of William and Isabella, was born 20 April 1887 in Alburtis, Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 16 December 1975 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Charles Peter FOLK on 3 December 1904. Charles, the son of Carolus Judicus Folk and Emmeleine Conrad, was born 12 May 1886 in Kutztown, PA and died 14 October 1946 in Lehigh County, PA. Mary and Charles had three children. Mary Knappenberger Folk married later in her widowhood to James H. SALLADE who was born 15 June 1887 and died 18 November 1973.
a. William Daniel Folk was born 25 June 1905 in Lehigh County, PA and died 4 November 1993 in Mayville, North Dakota. William married Mildred Louise QUAIFE, daughter of William Jerome Quaife and Lillian Leona Crosiar, on 28 May 1927 in Cass County, North Dakota. They are buried in Hunter Cemetery, Cass County, North Dakota. They had 5 children: Donald George Folk, Patricia Mae Folk, Wilma Joyce Folk, Charles William Folk, and James Niel Folk (16 December 1939-27 December 1939).
b. Isabel Viola Folk was born 14 March 1907 and died 8 March 1992 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Malcolm Miles MACKES on 28 March 1929. Malcolm was born 7 February 1907 and died March 1972 in Lehigh County, PA. They had two children: Norma Mae Mackes and Arlan Mackes.
c. Eva Mae Folk was born 30 October 1909 and died July 1991. She first married Robert REINHART and had four children: Geneva Reinhart, Roberta Reinhart (died at birth), Barbara Reinhart and Judith Ann Reinhart. She later married Elmund MILLER who was born 23 December 1905 and died July 1982. They had four children: Elmund Gene Miller (6 February 1927-11 September 1978), Virginia Miller (died at birth) Mary Miller and Donald Miller.
HARRISON KNAPPENBERGER (1838-1886)
Harrison was born 9 July 1838 in Lehigh County, PA and died 5 September 1886 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He married Hannah WEIDNER about 1860. Hannah was born 8 October 1837 in Berks County, PA and died 23 October 1895 in Lehigh County, PA. Harrison and Hannah are buried at Union/West End Cemetery in Allentown, PA with a number of their children. Harrison and Hannah had eight children.
1. Oliver C. Knappenberger was born 8 March 1861 in Lehigh County, PA and died 19 January 1931 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. Oliver was listed as living in his grandparent’s household in the 1870 and 1880 censuses. Between 1887 and 1890, Oliver was listed as a carpenter living as a boarder at 420 North 7th Street in Allentown, PA. He married Mary E. BOSSERT, daughter of Adam Bossert and Adeline Huff. She was born 13 December 1863 in Berks County, PA and died 16 May 1946 in Lehigh County, PA. This couple is buried in Union/West End Cemetery in Allentown, PA. Oliver and Mary had three children.
a. Herbert Adam Knappenberger was born 27 January 1888 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 November 1918 in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, PA. His death was attributed to influenza. He married Annie “Edith” LORD, daughter of Henry R. Lord and Emma Sara Rebecca Berger of Reading, PA in 1910. Edith was born 11 September 1890 in Reading, Berks County, PA and died 3 September 1945 in Berks County, PA. After the death of Herbert, she remarried in 1921 to Clarence Earle BINGAMAN who was born 4 June 1889 and died October 1966. Herbert Adam is buried in Union/West End Cemetery in Allentown, PA. Annie Edith Lord Knappenberger Bingaman is buried in Aulenbach Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA with her second husband. Herbert and Annie had two children:
Rollin Herbert Knappenberger was born 30 July 1911 in Allentown, PA and died 13 June 1961 in Berks County, PA. He married Viola H. SNYDER, daughter of Henry H. Snyder and Katie Hoffman, on 3 September 1931. Viola was born 12 October 1908 in Berks County, PA and died April 1994 in Sebring, Florida. They had 3 children: Herbert Allan Knappenberger, Hazel E. Knappenberger and Robert Rollin Knappenberger (28 August 1935-14 October 2001).
Geraldine Lord Knappenberger known as “Gertie” was born 22 June 1914 and died 4 March 1992 in Berks County, PA. She married Harold Arlington KLINE, son of Frank F. Kline and Mary E. Spencer, on 19 September 1931. Harold was born 20 December 1911 and died 25 November 1996. They had a son: William L. Kline.
Annie Edith [Lord] Knappenberger,
wife of Herbert Adam Knappenberger,
Reading, Pennsylvania, Circa 1910b. Adeline May Knappenberger known as “Addie” was born 15 May 1892 in Lehigh County, PA and died 12 February 1971 in Lehigh County, PA. She attended her brother Herbert Adam’s wedding in Reading, PA in 1910. Addie was married to Lloyd Abraham STEWARD, son of Reuben H. and Sarah E. Steward, about 1912. This marriage ended in divorce. Lloyd was born 3 August 1890 in Lehigh County, PA and died March 1979 in Florida. They had two children. Adeline Knappenberger Steward later married to a Mr. Doherty but was divorced from him by the 1930 census when she and her two children from her first marriage were living with her parents. She seems to not have married again after that.
Miriam A. Steward, the child of Adeline and Lloyd, was born about 1913 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. In the 1940 census, she was 27 years of age and single.
Dalton Lloyd Steward, the child of Adeline and Lloyd, was born 18 June 1916 in Allentown, PA and died December 1982 in Allentown, PA. Dalton married Catherine [maiden name unknown] and had a son named Kenneth Steward.
c. Minnie Elizabeth Knappenberger was born 17 September 1896 in Lehigh County, PA and died prior to 1900 census.
2. Rebecca Knappenberger was born 16 November 1862 in Lehigh County, PA and died 23 April 1936 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. She worked as a knitter and a weaver. In the later 1880s, Rebecca was living in a boarding house with her sisters, Emma and Laura, and her brother, Oliver. She married Charles J. PLANK in 1891. Charles was the son of Peter S. Plank. and Lydia Jones. He was born 7 October 1863 in Lancaster, PA and died 2 August 1922 in Carbon County, PA. They had one son.
a. Claude H. Plank was born 26 April 1890 and died November 1964. He married sometime in the 1920s but was divorced by 1930 when he was living with his widowed mother in Allentown, PA.
3. Ellen Amanda Knappenberger was born 23 December 1864 in Allentown, PA and died before 1870 in Lehigh County, PA.
4. Alfred Knappenberger was born 11 October 1866 and died 12 January 1870 in Lehigh County, PA of scarlet fever. His older brother, Oliver, was living with his grandparents in 1870 most likely due to this illness.
5. Emalinda Knappenberger known as “Emma” was born 29 July 1869 in Lehigh County, PA and died 23 January 1927 in Allentown, PA. She was listed as 1 year old in the 1870 census and 11 years old in the 1880 census. Emma was still single in the 1920 census and living with her younger sister, Laura, in Allentown, PA. She is buried in Union/West End Cemetery with her mother and several siblings. She never married.
6. Laura Knappenberger was born 19 August 1871 in Lehigh County, PA and died 28 October 1932 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. She first married William S. LEEDS, son of George Leeds, about 1892. According to the 1900 census, where she is listed as Laura Leeds at age 28 and widowed, she had given birth to one child who did not live. Laura was married a second time to John W. HALL, son of David Hall and Anna Schaeffer, about 1908. John was born 10 October 1869 in Treichlers, PA and died 18 April 1957 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. In the 1910 and 1920, this family was living in Allentown, PA. Her sister, Emalinda, was living with her and her husband, John Hall, at the time. Laura and John are buried in the Greenwood Mausoleum, Allentown, Lehigh County, PA..
7. Edwin Knappenberger known as “Eddie” was born 9 February 1874 in Lehigh County, PA and died 10 December 1920 in Allentown, PA. Eddie married Maggie J. GENSLER, daughter of Henry Gensler and Mary Dietrich, on 21 February 1893. Maggie was born 10 December 1872 in Berks County, PA and died 24 March 1953 in Allentown, PA. Edwin, Maggie, and their son, Claude, were listed in the 1910 census for Allentown, PA, but by the 1920 census, Maggie is head of the household with her son at the age of 26. Edwin was hospitalized the last several years of his life. Edwin and Maggie are buried in Union/West End Cemetery in Allentown, PA.
a. Claude Harrison Knappenberger was born 20 June 1893 in Lehigh County, PA and died June 1972 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. Claude enlisted in the infantry during the Mexican Emergency Call in 1916 at which time he was living and working as a baker in Allentown, PA. Claude was married briefly to Estella Bleaus about 1928 but divorced by the 1930 census. No children were born to this marriage. He later married Elsie S. TRUMBAUER, daughter of Harvey Trumbauer and Ada M. Schultz. Elsie was born 14 March 1894 in PA and died 27 September 1948 in Lehigh County, PA. She is buried in Arlington Memorial Park, Lehigh County, PA.
8. Robert Knappenberger was born 10 July 1876 and died 12 October 1887 in Lehigh County, PA at the age of 11 He is buried in Union/West End Cemetery, Allentown, Lehigh County, PA.
BENJAMIN K. KNAPPENBERGER (1842-1910)
Benjamin K. was born 21 October 1842 in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 5 February 1910 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA. He was listed as a laborer in Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA in 1887. He married Anna Maria NUSS, daughter of Jacob Nuss, who was born 31 January 1846 in Lehigh County, PA and died 20 November 1918 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in St. Peter’s UCC Church Cemetery, Macungie, Lehigh County, PA. They had ten children though many did not reach adulthood.
1. Ellamanda or Ella Amanda Knappenberger was born 8 August 1868 in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 1 August 1927 in Northampton County, PA. She is often listed as Ella M. Knappenberger or Ella M. Hoffman. Ella married James William HOFFMAN, son of John Hoffman and Emma Fox, on 16 April 1896 in Montgomery County, PA. James was born 20 June 1869 in Berks County, PA and died 20 November 1943 in Northampton County, PA. They are buried in Freemansburg Cemetery, Northampton County, PA. They had three children.
a. Walter Knappenberger Hoffman was born 16 May 1897 in Northampton County, PA and died 13 November 1980. He married Beatrice Emma STROHL, daughter of Charles and Bertha Strohl. Beatrice was born 31 May 1900 and died 2 July 2002. They are buried in Freemansburg Cemetery. They had two daughters: Jean Hoffman and Ilene Beatrice Hoffman (1930-1998) who married Harold Leo BECKER (1922-2017).
b. Elva Cora Hoffman was born 30 September 1898 in Northampton County, PA and died 1970 in Northumberland County, PA. She married Chauncey Asas JENNINGS, son of Michael Gilbert Jennings and Frances M. LeBar, on 16 June 1917 in Allentown, PA. Chauncey was born 20 October 1893 and died 12 November 1967. They had three daughters: Edna Elva Jennings (1918-2010), Rachel A. Jennings (1919-2006), and Dorothy E. Jennings (1922-2005).
c. William James Hoffman was born 20 August 1907 in Northampton County, PA and died on 25 December 1928 n Northampton County, PA. He was killed in a car accident in in Lehigh County, PA. Never married. He is buried in Freemansburg Cemetery, Northampton County, PA.
2. Alvin Knappenberger was born 30 December 1869 in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 24 September 1907 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Cora Mary WETZEL, daughter of Jonas Wetzel and Caroline Dankel. Cora was born 29 August 1873 in Berks County, PA and died 16 November 1945 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Allentown, PA. They had three children.
a. Eva Wetzel Knappenberger was born about 1893 in Lehigh County, PA and died sometime after the 1940 census. She married Arthur Franklin FLUCK, son of James Frank Fluck and Clara L. Cassier, about 1911. Arthur was born 30 December 1888 in Bethlehem, PA and died 2 January 1938 in Bethlehem, PA. He is buried in Nisky Hill Cemetery. It seems that Eva and Arthur had no children.
b. Ralph Martin Knappenberger was born 19 April 1894 in Lehigh County, PA and died 22 February 1987 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA.
Ralph had a daughter with Matilda L. MARSTELLER. In the 1920 census for Allentown, PA, Matilda L. Marsteller was listed as 24 years of age and single living with her mother and stepfather, Elizabeth and Harvey Aldrtiz. Also in the household was Marie E. Knappenberger, 3 years and 10 months. In the 1930 census for Allentown, Lehigh County, PA, Matilda is married to Robert Fahringer and is listed as 34 years of age, married for 8 years, with their daughter, Alice Fahringer, age 7. Also in the household is Marie Knappenberger listed as 14 years of age. Marie E. Knappenberger is listed in the 1940 census as 24 years of age and single in the same household. Marie E. Knappenberger was born 8 February 1916 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and died on 30 October 1993 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. Marie may have married a Mr. OSWALD. Ralph Martin served in the Army during World War I. Ralph Martin married Estella K. BUCK, the daughter of Benjamin F. Buck and Emma Wolfe, on 31 December 1928 in Reading, Berks County, PA. Estella was born 2 October 1892 in Shimersville, PA and died 27 November 1959 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. At the time of Ralph’s passing, there were no listed survivors. Ralph and Estella are buried in Jordan Lutheran Cemetery, South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA.
c. Prynton Edison Knappenberger was born 22 August 1902 in Lehigh County, PA and died January 1972 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He married Naomi MOHR, daughter of Wilson G. Mohr and Minnie J. Sturm. Naomi was born 23 October 1912 in Lehigh County, PA and died 23 June 1999 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. It seems that this couple did not have any children.
3. Harrison N. Knappenberger known as “Harry” or “Harvey” was born 12 July 1871 in Lehigh County, PA and died 3 August 1944 in Lehigh County, PA and is buried in Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Cetronia, PA. Harrison married Jennie M. FEGLEY, daughter of Charles Fegley and Emma Jan Guth, on 20 May 1899 in Lehigh County, PA. Jennie was born 30 July 1880 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 February 1931 in Allentown, PA and is also buried in Cedar Union Church Cemetery, Cetronia, PA. Harrison and Jennie had no children, but we believe that Harrison had two children before this marriage:
a. Harrison seemingly had a son named Warren Ralph Knappenberger with Minerva S. CRAMER, daughter of John R. Cramer and Elizabeth SNYDER, but they did not marry. Minerva was born 11 October 1873 and died 9 April 1958. She married Edward Moose and is buried in Grandview Cemetery, Allentown, PA. Warren Ralph Knappenberger known as “Ralph” was born 26 June 1894 in Allentown, PA and died 16 April 1956 Allentown, PA. He is listed as buried in Highland Cemetery but has a headstone in Highland Park Cemetery with his first wife. Ralph’s obituary lists his mother as Minerva S. [Cramer] Knappenberger Moose. Ralph married Barbara Helen BRANCHNER (31 July 1892 – 7 July 1942), daughter of Frank Branchner and Maria Miller, on 30 August 1915 in Berks County, PA. After her death, Ralph married Lillian Carrie LeVAN (3 August 1907 – 1 September 1979), daughter of Charles D. LeVan and Louise Rebecca Merkel, on 26 June 1948. Ralph’s marriage license from his second marriage lists his father as Harry Knappenberger/deceased and his mother as Minerva [Cramer] Moose. No children were born to either marriage.
b. Harrison had a daughter seemingly out of wedlock named Clara Rebecca Leanna Knappenberger with Cora V. PAULES – according to both Clara’s baptismal record and her obituary. Cora was the daughter of Daniel D. Paules and Leanna WALP. Cora was born 18 May 1877 and died 27 December 1897 – shortly after her daughter’s birth. Her daughter, Clara Knappenberger, was born 10 October 1897 in Lehigh County, PA and died 8 April 1981 in Lehigh County, PA. Clara married Robert E. HONTZ (17 February 1888 and died 26 May 1976) on 23 June 1934 in Carbon County, PA. No children were born to this marriage.
4. Jacob N. Knappenberger was born 1 December 1872 in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 19 April 1951 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. He married Anna Estella “Stella” EISENHARD(T), daughter of Jeremiah Eisenhart and Sarah Emma Fox. Stella was born 10 November 1880 in Lehigh County, PA and died 13 March 1941 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. This couple was living in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA in the 1930 census. They had two children and possibly another adopted child.
a. Warren Webster Knappenberger was born 21 January 1899 and died April 1966 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA. He married Elda Mae LEVAN, daughter of Jacob Daniel Levan and Nora Wolfe. Elda was born 13 April 1900 in Lehigh County, PA and died March 1964. They had two sons.
Kenneth Lincoln Knappenberger was born 12 February 1918 and died 1 February 1967.
LaVerne Jacob Knappenberger was born 1925 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA and died 19 January 2007 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA and is buried at Northwood Cemetery. Laverne served in World War II.
b. Helen Knappenberger was born 16 August 1903 in Lehigh County, PA and died 23 November 1988 in Gwinnett County, GA. She married Raymond T. STEPHEN, son of Wilson Stephen and Andora Kehm. Raymond was born 1900 and died 21 November 1985 in Georgia. They had a daughter namedBetty.
c. Jacob NUSS who was born about 1919 in Pennsylvania may have been an adopted child of Jacob and Stella.
5. Emma E. Knappenberger was born 19 September 1875 in Lehigh County, PA and died 22 August 1965 in Lehigh County, PA. She married John B. WETZEL, son of Benjamin Wetzel and Elizabeth Schneider, on 3 February 1894 in Lehigh County, PA. John was born 1 January 1868 in Berks County, PA and died in Lehigh County, PA on 23 December 1929. They are buried in St. Peters Union Church Cemetery, Macungie, Lehigh County, PA. They had two sons.
a. Marvin B. Wetzel was born 1 July 1894 in Lehigh County, PA and died 15 December 1973 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Mabel Amanda RITTER about 1914. Mabel was born 21 September 1898 in PA and died 16 November 1968 in Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in St. Peters Union Church Cemetery. Marvin and Mabel had 3 children: Clifford Paul Wetzel (20 June 1916-8 January 2008), Esther Mae Wetzel (born about 1919) and Rev. Willard Walter Wetzel (29 November 1928-11 May 2005).
b. Charles Raymond Wetzel was born 12 August 1897 in Lehigh County, PA and died 8 December 1960 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Rose WOLFEL on 3 January 1931 in Lehigh County, PA. She was the daughter of Paul Wolfel and Mary Stanz and was born 21 August 1911 and died 7 October 1992. They had a daughter, Margaret E. Wetzel, that was born and died in 1931.
6. Lucy A. Knappenberger was born 14 June 1877 and died 21 September 1878 in Lehigh County, PA at the age of 1 year and 3 months. She is buried in St. Peter’s Union Church Cemetery, Lehigh County, PA.
7. Charles Knappenberger was born 18 August 1879 and died 14 February 1891 in Lehigh County, PA at 11 years and 6 months of age. He and two other younger siblings all died in February of 1891 most likely due to an epidemic of some nature.
8. Cora Jane Knappenberger was born 1 September 1881 in Macungie Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 11 December 1974 in Lehigh County, PA. She married Isaac Henry FEATHER, son of Aaron Feather and Edna R. Schick, on 18 July 1900 in Lehigh County, PA. Isaac was born 24 March 1881 in Berks County, PA and died 14 July 1951. They are buried in Northwood Cemetery, Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA. This couple had six children.
a. Earl B. Feather was born 28 January 1901 in Lehigh County, PA and died 15 March 1997 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA. He married Estella P. STOUDT, daughter of Howard Stoudt and Mabel Delong, in August 1949. Estella was born 15 February 1914 and died 18 April 1998 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA.
b. Raymond Harrison Feather known as “Ray” was born 11 February 1902 in Emmaus, PA and died May 1967 in PA. He married Stella I. AMIG, daughter of Edwin D. Amig and Anne C. Luckenbach. Stella was born 30 September 1906 in Emmaus, PA and died 4 March 1996 in Lehigh County, PA. They are buried in Northwood Cemetery, Emmaus, PA. They had 5 children.
c. Lila Isabelle Feather was born 1 June 1904 in Lehigh County, PA and died 28 March 1986 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA. She married Claude D. RAUCH who was born 11 February 1896 and died May 1968 in Lehigh County, PA. They had two children: Claude F. Rauch (6 June 1922-7 January 2008), and Betty Rauch who married a Mr. MARKLE.
d. Elva Marie Feather was born 25 November 1905 in Lehigh County, PA and died 4 October 1906 in Lehigh County, PA. She is buried in Lutheran and Reformed Church Cemetery, Emmaus, Lehigh County,PA.
e. Merial A. Feather was born 24 November 1908 in Lehigh County, PA and died 7 May 1992 in Northampton County, PA. She married a Mr. GERHART and had a son and a daughter: Daniel C. Gerhart and Dolores Gerhart. Merial also married a Mr. YENSER.
f. Myles Knappenberger Feather was born 24 September 1916 in Emmaus, Lehigh County, PA and died 27 December 2001 in Lehigh County, PA.
9. Annie S. Knappenberger was born 3 October 1883 and died 4 February 1891 in Lehigh County, PA at the age of 7 years and 4 months.
10. Franklin Knappenberger was born 24 November 1885 and died 11 February 1891 in Lehigh County, PA at the age of 5 years and 2 months.
ALEXANDER KNAPPENBERGER (1846-1928)
Alexander was born 13 April 1846 in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA and died 12 November 1928 in Northampton County, PA. Alexander and his wife, Mary, were listed in the 1910 census for Northampton County, PA. Alexander married Mary Ellen Elizabeth WEIDNER on 24 August 1872. Mary was born 25 August 1851 in Longswamp Township, Berks County, PA and died 3 November 1936 in Northampton County, PA. Alexander played an important part in the development of the cement industry and aided in building large cement plants throughout the eastern part of the US as well as Canada. Alexander filed two patents: US 878640 A and US 1003362 A. Alexander and Mary had ten children. They are buried in Fairview Cemetery, Northampton County, PA.
Mary Ellen Elizabeth [Weidner] Knappenberger,
wife of Alexander Knappenberger,
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Alma G. Knappenberger, tenth child
of Alexander Knappenberger
Mabel Corrine Knappenberger, eighth child
of Alexander Knappenberger,
29 May 1906
[photos graciously provided
by Donna M. Gilbert]
1. Katharine A. Knappenberger known as “Katie” was born 31 December 1872 in Northampton County, PA and died 5 February 1947 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. She married John Joseph KOCHER, son of Joseph Kocher and Mary Metzger, on 24 February 1898 in Northampton County, PA. John was born 30 May 1869 in Pennsylvania and died 4 April 1937 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. They owned Kocher Bakery in Allentown, PA. Kate and John had two children. In the 1920 and 1930 census, Kate’s unmarried sister, Mabel C. Knappenberger, was living with them and working as a saleslady in the bakery.
a. John “Daniel” Kocher was born 2 December 1898 in Northampton County, PA and died January 1974 in Johnson County, Indiana. He married Pauline [maiden name unknown] about 1925. Pauline was born about 1901 in PA. They had no children in the 1930 census.
b. Elizabeth Kocher was born 16 September 1901 and died 10 August 1902 in Northampton County, PA.
2. Annie Elizabeth Knappenberger was born 6 January 1875 in Northampton County, PA and died 11 January 1954 in Allentown, PA. She married Herbert Epriam Samuel SMITH, son of John Smith and Sarah R. Berger. Herbert was born 14 April 1873 in PA and died 15 February 1937 in Northampton County, PA. This couple is listed in both the 1910 and 1920 censuses for Northampton County, PA where Herbert is listed as a blacksmith. Annie and Herbert had two children.
a. Walter D. Smith was born 12 July 1910 in Northampton County, PA and died 29 August 1993 in Allentown, PA. Walter was an Army veteran of World War II serving with the Third Army. Walter married Violet M. HERZOG who was born 1 September 1905 and died 27 August 2001 in Lehigh County, PA.
b. Elizabeth M. Smith was born 6 November 1913 in Northampton County, PA and died April 1981. She married a Mr. HERSHBELL.
3. Alexander Knappenberger, Jr. was born 7 December 1877 in Northampton County, PA and died 29 October 1903 in Lehigh County, PA from typhoid malaria. He had lived and worked in Hannibal, Missouri up until six weeks before his death when he returned home to Alliance, PA. He seems to have not married He is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Northampton County, PA.
4. Ellen May Knappenberger was born 15 August 1879 and baptized 18 December 1879. She died December 1880 in Northampton County, PA.
5. John Jacob Knappenberger was born 4 December 1880 in Northampton County, PA and died 5 April 1932 in Berks County, PA. John married Kathryn May BROWN, daughter of Albert J. Brown and Amanda Fessler. Kathryn was born 18 June 1881 in Berks County, PA and died 10 October 1928 Berks County, PA. They are buried in Sinking Springs Cemetery in Berks County, PA. John Jacob was a Justice of the Peace in West Lawn Boro, Berks County, PA. John Jacob and Kathryn had five children.
a. Stewart Ellsworth Knappenberger was born 5 March 1905 in Berks County, PA and died September 1986 in Berks County, PA. He married Mariam M. MADEIRA, daughter of Ambrose B. Madeira and Laura M. Becker, on 27 June 1931 in Philadelphia, PA. Mariam was born 5 May 1909 in Berks County, PA and died December 1977 in Berks County, PA They had a daughter: Doris M. Knappenberger.
b. Thelma E. Knappenberger was born 11 February 1906 in Nazareth, Northampton County, PA and died 31 March 2003 in Berks County, PA. She married twice. Her first marriage was to an unknown spouse and ended in divorce. Her second marriage was to Paul W. MENGEL, son of Charles F. Mengel and Christine J. Kaltzinger, on 27 May 1939. Paul was born 24 May 1908 in Berks County, PA and died 31 May 1988 in Berks County, PA. Thelma is buried in Laureldale Cemetery. It seems that they had no children.
c. John “Kenneth” Knappenberger, Sr. was born 8 August 1907 and died 9 December 1972 in Berks County, PA. He married Annie Catherine SEITZINGER, daughter of William A. Seitzinger and Sallie E. Gerhard, on 2 September 1933. Annie was born 29 July 1909 in Montello, PA and died 13 December 1997 in Berks County, PA. They are buried in St. Johns UCC Cemetery, Berks County, PA. They had two children: John Kenneth “Jack” Knappenberger, Jr (17 February 1934 in Berks County, PA-4 July 1989) who on 23 October 1954 married Christine Ann BATDORFF (daughter of Frank S. Batdorff and Elfena M. Eichner; 10 October 1934 in Berks County, PA-25 April 2013 in Berks County, PA), and Joan Kathleen Knappenberger.
d. Harvey A. Knappenberger was born 17 October 1908 and died 17 August 1958 in Berks County, PA. He married Catherine M. JONES, daughter of Samuel E. Jones and Catherine M. Koch, on 30 March 1934. Catherine was born 9 July 1912 in Berks County, PA and died January 1992 in Berks County, PA. They had two daughters: Bonnie Larue Knappenberger (3 February 1935 in Berks County, PA-29 July 2015 in Berks County, PA) who first married Walter F. MAYER on 9 February 1954 (son of Ferdiand J. Mayer and Vera Manst; 28 March 1932-November 1979) and later married Richard Leroy Yenser about 1971 (son of Leroy Yenser and Ella Musser; 16 December 1937-1 November 2002), and Kathy L. Knappenberger who married a Mr. Ohlinger.
e. Kathryn Mae Knappenberger was born 11 February 1911 in Northampton County, PA and died October 1986 in Berks County, PA. She married Carl W. PRIEBE, son of Otto J. Priebe, Sr. and Kathrina Fink, on 28 September 1929. Carl was born 29 April 1904 in Berks County, PA and died 5 April 1989.
6. Maggie Rachel Knappenberger was born 19 March 1884 in Northampton County, PA and died 1 March 1963 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. She married Henry B. REED, son of Benjamin Reed and Lucy Buchman, about 1907. Henry was born 29 October 1878 in Rockdale, PA and died 2 October 1955 in Allentown, PA. They were living in North Catasauqua, Northampton County, PA in the 1930 census. They had one daughter.
a. Arlene I. Reed was born 14 December 1908 in Northampton County, PA and died October 1977 most likely in Arizona. In 1930, Arlene was single and living with her parents. She married a Mr. SCHWARTZ.
7. Harvey Lester Knappenberger was born 7 October 1886 in Northampton County, PA and died 15 January 1948 in Portland, Oregon. He married Kathryn Marie DOYLE in 1912. Kathryn was born 27 January 1885 in LaSalle, Illinois and died 18 March 1964 in Multnomah County, Oregon. Harvey was associated with the cement industry in northwest US. They had three children. All three of his sons served in World War II.
a. John Doyle Knappenberger known as “Jack” was born 1 October 1913 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and died 7 May 1971 in Portland, Oregon. He married Ruth Annette CHATTERTON, daughter of Herbert D. Chatterton, on 6 January 1945 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Ruth was born 16 May 1924 in Kalispell, Montana and died 30 September 2009 in Beaverton, Oregon. She is buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. John Doyle served in World War II.
b. Robert Thomas Knappenberger known as “Bob” was born 8 August 1917 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and died 18 April 2001 in Portland, Oregon. He married Jeanne Yvonne HEADLEE, daughter of Thomas E. Headlee and Mary Foss, in 1941 in San Francisco, CA. Jeanne was born 31 May 1918 in Everett, Washington and died August 2001 in Portland, Oregon. Robert Thomas served in World War II.
c. Allan Francis Knappenberger was born 12 September 1924 in Portland, Oregon and died 5 July 1944 near Periers, France. He was buried in Normandy American Cemetery, France during World War II.
8. Mabel Corrine Knappenberger was born 16 August 1889 in Northampton County, PA and died April 1972 in Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. In 1936, she was single and working for Kocher’s Bakery in Allentown, PA.
9. Clayton Harold Knappenberger was born 13 February 1892 in Northampton County, PA and died 31 January 1944 in Bethlehem, Lehigh County, PA. Clayton married Bertha E. LONG, daughter of Henry S. Long and Louisa Carolina Sensinger. Bertha was born 9 July 1893 in Lehigh County, PA and died 26 December 1985 in Allentown, Lehigh County, PA. This family is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Northampton, PA. They had five children.
Clayton H. Knappenberger with his
daughter Dorothy Ellen Knappenberger
Circa 1917
[photo graciously provided
by Donna M. Gilbert]
a. Dorothy Ellen Knappenberger was born 8 October 1916 in Northampton County, PA and died there on 2 March 1923.
b. Miriam L. Knappenberger was born 14 July 1918 in Northampton County, PA and died 6 February 2011 in Lehigh County, PA. She never married.
c. Myrtle I. Knappenberger was born 21 May 1920 in Northampton County, PA and died 1` December 2011 in Lehigh County, PA. She never married.
d. Clayton “Harold” Knappenberger, Jr. was born 2 September 1926 in Northampton County, PA and died 30 November 2009 in Lehigh County, PA. He married Alma H. PEEBLES, daughter of Dayton E. Peebles and Evelyn A. Eastman, on 30 June 1970 in Northampton County, PA. Alma was born 7 July 1928 in Raritan, New Jersey and died 9 May 2012 in Lehigh County, PA. No children were born to this marriage. Harold served in both World War II and the Korean War.
e. Isobel Mae Knappenberger was born 1928. She married Anthony L. GUZIE on 14 July 1956. Anthony was born 10 November 1928 in Lehigh County, PA and died 31 December 1990 in Lehigh County, PA. He is buried in Fairview Cemetery. Isobel and Anthony had two sons and one daughter.
10. Alma G. Knappenberger was born 10 June 1894 in Cementon, Northamptonh County, PA and died 9 July 1965 in Northampton County, PA. She married Clarence Fehr HARDING about 1942 in Richmond, Virginia. Clarence was born 17 November 1896 in Northampton County, PA and died 19 February 1980 in Northampton County, PA. Clarence was in the US Army Ambulance Corp and was a railroad station manager.
JOSHUA KNAPPENBERGER (c1853-1862)
Joshua was born about 1853 in Lehigh County, PA and died 29 August 1862 in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA at about the age of 9. He was listed as “Joseph” in the 1860 census at the age of 6.
GEORGE W. KNAPPENBERGER
George W. died in Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA probably as a young child. He is buried in a cemetery plot for the Wendling family, his mother’s family, in St. Peter Union Church Cemetery, Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, PA.
There are still many “holes” in this family that we would like to fill. If you have any information related to this branch, please contact us at jsappleton@windstream.net.
SPECIAL THANKS
Tom Knappenberger of Vancouver, Washington for his assistance with the Alexander Knappenberger Family.
Ruth Knappenberger of Oregon for her assistance with the Alexander Knappenberger Family.
Linda Folk for her help with the William W. Knappenberger and Isabel Breisch family.
Donna M. Gilbert of Enola, PA for sharing her family history and photographs of the Alexander Knappenberger Family.
Dave Neimeyer for providing us with information about Harrison Knappenberger.
Allan and Gloria Knappenberger of Michigan for their information and pictures of Herbert Adam and Annie Edith Lord Knappenberger family.
Renee and Suzan Knappenberger for their help with Oliver Knappenberger family.