Robert Knapp was one of the early residents to Venango and Greene Townships of Erie County, PA.  He descended from Aaron Knapp (ca. 1620-bef. 1674) of Yorkshire, England who immigrated to the Plymouth Colony at Taunton, MA between 1638 and 1639.  He was a Puritan and possibly a nephew to the more renowned Nicholas Knapp.  Nicholas Knapp who immigrated during the 1630’s with the Winthrop Fleet is the ancestor to most of the Knapp lines in America.

The intervening Knapp generations (between Aaron and Robert) became a part of American history.  They served in the French and Indian War and Robert’s father, Paul Knapp (1751-1794), is alleged to have participated in the Boston Tea Party.

The ancestors of Francis Perry can be traced to John Perry (ca. 1578-1622) of Farnborough, Hampshire, England.  Immigrant William Perry (1606-1683) arrived in America prior to 1642 and lived in Scicuate and Watertown, MA.  Subsequent generations moved from Massachusetts, to New Hampshire, to Maine, and finally to Vermont.  Family myths and legends not withstanding, this Perry line is not related to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.

Robert Knapp was living in Stowe, VT, when he married the daughter of Francis Perry in 1812.  In the fall of 1814, he was accompanied the Francis Perry family in their trek across New York State to (what is now) Ripley, New York.  Hugh Johnson, a descendent of Francis Perry critically writes about their journey:  "A series of coincidences among family records appears to warrant the assumption that Francis Perry moved his family from Vermont westward the length of New York State to Chautauqua County beginning in September 1814.  It is hard to even speculate about why he would move his family to an unknown region at that time of the year."  Francis Perry’s wife, Abagail (Nason), writes that during the journey across New York State they could hear the sounds of the cannons during the War of 1812.  This would have been during the September 11, 1814, battle of Lake Champlain.

In about 1822, Robert Knapp moved his family to the Lake Pleasant area of Erie County, PA and where his descendants continued to live for several generations.  The Perry family soon followed and settled in Waterford Township.

Generation No. 1

1.  ROBERT⁵ KNAPP, SR  (PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹)¹ was born Bet. 1766 - 1772 in Waterbury Center, Washington Co, VT, and died 1865 in Lake Pleasant, PA.  He married BETSEY PERRY¹ November 07, 1812 in Warterbury, VT², daughter of FRANCIS PERRY and ABAGAIL NASON.  She was born 1794 in Coxhall, York, ME³, and died 1905 in Phillipsville, Erie Co, PA.

Every family has a story that explains why they are poor and some one else is rich.  The Knapps have one that has been passed down through several of Robert's descendants.  A note left by Rev. Clyde Knapp reads:  "Old Knapp (probably referring to Robert) and a man named 'Reed' walked from New England to take up land in (what is now Erie county) as a reward for service in the Revolutionary War.  Reed took the land now part of the City of Erie.  Knapp took 250 acres at spring water lake.  That is the reason the Reeds are millionaires and the Knapps are 'povertyaires'".    

Erie's historical records reveal the following:

1.  Col. Seth Reed came to the shores of Erie in 1795 and, with the help of the military, negotiated with the Indians to acquire most of what is now the city of Erie, PA.  His son Rufus was born in Erie in 1803 and attended college in Washington, PA.  He became a lawyer, a militia brigadier general, a state legislator, and an industrial tycoon.  He died in 1871 with a net worth of 5 to 15 million dollars.

2.   "Donation" land grants for military service were made on a restricted state basis -- only Pennsylvania veterans could receive Pennsylvania lands.  The Knapps were not Revolutionary War (or War of 1812) residents of Pennsylvania.

3.   Historical books do not name any Knapps as early settlers to the area.

Robert owned and deeded property at Stowe, VT, in 1812, probably in anticipation of a relocation.  Robert and Betsy may have moved from Vermont to "Quincey", former name for the Town of Ripley, Chautauqua Co, NY, in 1814.  This is about the same time that Francis Perry, his father-in-law, moved west with the rest of his family.  They may have traveled together. 

Robert drove his oxen when he moved to Erie County, locating in Waterford Township, Erie Co., PA, in late 1822 or early 1823.  In the winter of 1821, a road was opened through Greene Township from Erie to Lake Pleasant.  Robert probably traveled on this road.  There is a 12/12/1837 Land Warrant record (Vol H; #38; page 301; D 90) transferring 200 acres of land in Waterford Township to Robert.  He was the first owner of record.  Robert settled the land much earlier than that and is on record as paying land taxes on 200 acres (land tract #2011) as early as 1825, at which time he had 2 oxen and 8 cows.  The 1826 tax records have him down to 2 oxen and 1 cow.  

A 200-acre "donation" land grant was the usual amount given to an enlisted war veteran and it is quite probable that Robert acquired such a property.  He more likely acquired someone else's grant, either by purchase, gift, or as a "squatter" on abandoned or unclaimed property. The time differential between the initial tax payments and the Land Warrant suggests that Robert was a "squatter".   The Ellis Williams (Sr.) information, however, suggests another possibility.  Ellis was a relative through marriage to the Donaldsons and had a nearby farm.  As his granddaughter writes, Ellis purchased his 200 acres from the Holland Land Company (the Dutch land company given land by the US government in payment of the Revolutionary War debt).

Early reports believe he is buried on his farm.  Records are unclear on his age with one report giving has his age at death to be 104, another as 103.   Another death date is 1870.

The age difference between Robert and Betsey suggests that Robert possibly had a one prior marriage.  Family stories, however, suggest that he remained with his parents until after his father's death.       

Robert appears in the 1830 Waterford township census as one male (0-5)          (William); one female (5-10) (Laura); two males (10-15) (Robert, Jr. and Abram); one female (15-20) (Lucinda); one male (50-60) (Robert, Sr); and one female (30-40) (Betsey).

The 1840 Waterford township census repeats the 1830 census, except that everyone is 10 years older.

Robert (80) appears in the 1850 census as living with daughter, Laura (28), her husband Zacheus Morton (29) and their children, William Knapp (28), and a (garbled) Betsey Knapp (68).  Next door are Robert Knapp, Jr and his family, and Abraham Perry and his family and mother.

Erie County land records indicate that some of Robert's Waterford township land went to his son, Robert, Jr., on 1/28/1846 (record R 184).   On 6/9/1847, on parcel ( record S-32) went to Robert's son-in-law, Zacheus Morton.  Examination of one of the real estate deed transfers had Robert indicating his deed execution by making a mark ("X") above his name.  Does this mean he could not read or write, or that his eye sight had failed?

In a letter dated 2/4/1936, Willis Donaldson refers to a discussion with Ester Sherman Estes, the oldest person he knew who was living at the time the first Knapps settled there.  She remembers going with her father to visit Robert (Sr.):  ".... they settled on the farm now owned by Alford Bliley when it was all woods ...they lived in a log house near where Bliley's house stands and they had 3 boys, Abraham, William and Robert."  Alford’s son, Lloyd, who then sold it, had owned the property.  It is located on Valley Road about 1/2 mile from the old Valley Baptist Church and about 1000 yards from the outlet of Lake Pleasant. Valley Road marks the border between Venango and Greene townships.

Marriage Notes for ROBERT KNAPP and BETSEY PERRY:

Page 255, Book 2 of the Waterbury Town and Vital Records:

"State of Vermont Jefferson County:  Be it remembered that at Waterbury in the County of Jefferson on the 7th day of November 1812 -- Robert Knapp of Stow in the County of Jefferson and State of Vermont and Betsey Perry of Stow in the County and State of Vermont were duly joined in marriage by me -- Richard Knowland Justice of Peace."       Robert gave his age as 40. 

Children of ROBERT KNAPP and BETSEY PERRY are:

2.                i.    LUCINDA⁶ KNAPP, b. October 15, 1813; d. May 09, 1850, Erie Co, PA.

3.               ii.    ROBERT KNAPP, b. February 21, 1817, Stowe, VT; d. July 04, 1865, Phillipsville, PA.

4.              iii.    ABRAM KNAPP, b. October 30, 1819, Ripley, NY; d. August 30, 1865, Greene Twp, Erie County, PA.

5.              iv.    LAURA KNAPP, b. September 18, 1822, Ripley, NY; d. September 1899, Chapinville, PA.

                  v.    WILLIAM KNAPP⁴, b. 1826, Waterford Township, Erie County, PA; d. Bet. 1853 - 1854, Greene Township, Erie County, PA; m. LYDIA H WADE; b. prob. Waterford Twp, Erie County, PA.

Notes for WILLIAM KNAPP:

Died of tuberculosis.

Erie County Estate File #7315 (Vol. 5, page 65, block 8) filed 5/1/1854.  The courthouse record of the will is a photocopy of a faded, hand written, and highly illegible document was filed by J. J. M. Butler (his uncle through marriage).  Value of the inventory, taken 4/19/1853, was $244.75 and included a 5 year old cow ($22.50), 3 yearlings ($6), 1 harrow ($4), 1 $50 note, and $11 cash.  He had 25 1/2 acres of land partly described as "from Waterford to Colts Station and on the north by land of A (Abram) Knapp."   William's 25 1/2 acres if land in Venango Twp (part of tract 2010) was sold to Zacheus Morton (through J.J.M. Butler, executor of William's estate) on February 5, 1856.

William's will mentions a John Williams.  John (d. 1863) was married to a Sara who died 8/12/1850.  John may be the brother to Ellis Williams (d. 1872) who married Lucinda Knapp.

William appears in the 1850 census as age 24 and living alone next door to Abram. 

(Vesta Knapp Magoon in a confusing letter dated 1/17/1983 suggested information that Lydia and William were married 12/13/1832 and had a daughter, Elizabeth (b. 2/20/1834) who married Joseph Jewett.  These dates make no sense.)

Notes for LYDIA H WADE:

In 1865, an A Wade was living in tract 2078 off Loop Rd in Waterford Township.

6.              vi.    LOUISA KNAPP, b. September 23, 1829; d. 1915, Prob. Erie, PA.

Generation No. 2

The Donaldson, Yost, and (Ellis) Williams families enter the Knapp line in this generation.  The Donaldsons were Scotch-Irish immigrants to America, arriving at the port of Philadelphia in 1740.  First generation Alexander Donaldson served in the War of Independence, later relocating to Northampton County, PA.  His children, Bailey, John, James, Mary, and Hannah, subsequently moved to Center County, PA.  In 1795, these siblings, together with John Yost (husband of Mary) and Ellis Williams (husband of Hannah), moved to Erie County.  They first lived in North East Township, later to Venango and Amity Townships.  Bailey and James Donaldson (an officer) served in the War of 1812 and had one of the early saw and gristmills in the area.

The Bailey Donaldsons and the John Yosts are buried in the Middlebrook Cemetery, Venango Township, Erie County.  The James Donaldsons, first buried in the Sprague Cemetery, now rest in the Wattsburg Cemetery.  The Ellis Williams’ are buried in the Chester Owen Cemetery, Amity Township, Eire County.

2.  LUCINDA⁶ KNAPP (ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹)⁴ was born October 15, 1813⁵, and died May 09, 1850 in Erie Co, PA.  She married ELLIS WILLIAMS November 29, 1833 in Erie County, PA, son of ELLIS WILLIAMS and HANNAH DONALDSON.  He was born June 13, 1810 in PA, and died September 12, 1878 in Erie Co, PA.

Notes for LUCINDA KNAPP:

Sprague Cemetery burial records report:  Lucinda, consort of Ellis, died May 9, 1850; aged 36 years, 6 months, 25 days.

More About LUCINDA KNAPP:

Burial: Chester Owen Farm Cemetery, Amity Twp, Erie Co., PA

Notes for ELLIS WILLIAMS:

Land Warrant records list Ellis Williams as receiving 200 acres of land in Waterford Township on 12/17/1811 (Vol H; #12; page 22; Bk A 83).  This may have been an Ellis Williams, Sr. 

Sprague Cemetery burial records report:

Ellis Williams died Sept. 12, 1872; aged 68 years, 2 months, 29 days. 

Appears in the 1850 census as a farmer in Amity township with property valued at $1000, and children:  Wilson, Alvin, Lewis Loren and Chauncy.  The 1860 census states his real property at $3,000 and personal property at $800.

The Sprague Cemetery records also show a John Williams, d. 2/20/1863; aged 50 years, 9 months, 9 days.  He probably is a brother to Ellis.  John is buried with Sarah, probably his wife, d. 8/12/1850; aged 50 years, 4 months, 20 days.

More About ELLIS WILLIAMS:

Burial: Chester Owen Farm Cemetery, Amity Twp, Erie Co., PA

Marriage Notes for LUCINDA KNAPP and ELLIS WILLIAMS:

Marriage by Rev. Horton.  Lucinda lived in Waterford Township; Ellis lived in Venango township.

Children of LUCINDA KNAPP and ELLIS WILLIAMS are:

7.                i.    WILSON C⁷ WILLIAMS, b. February 1836.

                  ii.    MYRON B WILLIAMS⁶, b. 1840.

                 iii.    ALVIN H WILLIAMS⁶, b. 1842.

                 iv.    LEWIS L WILLIAMS⁶, b. 1844.

                  v.    LOREN A WILLIAMS⁶, b. 1845.

Notes for LOREN A WILLIAMS:

Listed in the 1870 Waterford Township census as "Loran", age 25.

                 vi.    CHAUNCEY C WILLIAMS⁶, b. 1849.

3.  ROBERT⁶ KNAPP (ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹)⁷ was born February 21, 1817 in Stowe, VT, and died July 04, 1865 in Phillipsville, PA.  He married SARAH VANCUREN.  She was born May 16, 1811 in New York⁸, and died March 25, 1892 in Sac City, IA.

Notes for ROBERT KNAPP:

Appears in the 1850 census as a 34-year-old farmer, born in VT.  Included with him are wife, Sarah (37), Allen (9), and Delilah (7).  The 1860 census lists him living in Green Township and having real property of $10,000 and personal property of $1,200.

More About ROBERT KNAPP:

Burial: Phillipsville Cemetery, Phillipsville, NY

Notes for SARAH VANCUREN:

Appears as 46 in the 1860 census, making her birth year 1814.  In 1865 the VanCurens [H. R. (see below) and E. VanCuren] were living in Waterford township tracts 194 and 195. 

The Judson Walker Cemetery at Bonnell Corners on Donation Road (Waterford Township) contains the grave of Harry VanCuren (1795-1875), a Civil War Veteran, who possibly is a brother to Sarah.

Children of ROBERT KNAPP and SARAH VANCUREN are:

                   i.    ALLEN⁷ KNAPP, b. 1841, PA.

8.               ii.    DELILAH KNAPP, b. May 10, 1843, Erie Co, PA; d. May 04, 1932, Sac City, IA.

                 iii.    ROSELLA KNAPP, b. 1852, PA.

Notes for ROSELLA KNAPP:

1860 census gives age as 8.

4.  ABRAM⁶ KNAPP (ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born October 30, 1819 in Ripley, NY, and died August 30, 1865 in Greene Twp, Erie County, PA.  He married LYDIA DONALDSON, daughter of JAMES DONALDSON and MARY MOORE.  She was born April 06, 1820 in Erie County, PA⁹, and died February 08, 1887 in Erie County, PA¹⁰.

Notes for ABRAM KNAPP:

Will file #7299 (Vol. 5, page 63, block 10) Erie County.  Will is dated 4/9/1865, probated 4/9/1865.  Lydia Knapp and William Pratt were executors.  Notes from the heirs indicate that his real estate was divided among his 3 children, 50 acres each.

Prior to 1850, Abram married and moved from his father's home in Waterford Township and to Lake Pleasant in the adjacent township (probably just up the road from his father).  Abram appears in the 1850 census as "Abraham", a farmer (age 30) living in Greene township with property valued at $1000, along with wife, Lydia (age 30), and children, "Orlanda" (4) and Gilson (2); and the 1860 census in Vanango Twp, Erie County, PA. 

The origin of the 1850 Greene township property is not known, however, on 6/30/1854 and on 4/23/1862 he purchased land from the John Phillips Estate (Erie County Vol. 2, page 539 and Vol. 15, page 476), these lands being in Greene township and adjoining Venango township.  There is 6/26/1862 Land Warrant record transferring 85.57 acres of land in Greene Township to Abram who is also the original owner.  This land transaction is similar to that of his father's and may have been acquired through "squatters rights" or lands warrant purchase.  Abram then owned a considerable portion of the land on one side of Lake Pleasant.

An 1845 Greene township map lists lot #2010 (extreme lower right corner of the township) as belonging to Abram.  The Venango township property was part of tract number 2110 and adjoining the Greene township property.

On December 8, 1864, Abram and Lydia Knapp sold Zaccheus (spelled that way) Morton, his brother-in-law, a parcel of land in Venango and Greene Township.  (Erie County record 19/557)

Local news reported that in 1827 and at Lake Pleasant, Abram Knapp shot the last panther.

His tombstone records his name as "Abram".  His grandson, Rev. Walter Knapp, said that Abram was born in 1817.  Another record gives his birth as June 30, 1819.  His son Orlando's death certificate notes that Abram was born in Pennsylvania; the 1850 census indicates New York.

Most of Abram's land remained in the hands of his descendants for more than 100 years.  His home passed to his son, Rossell, who left the area and sold it to his brother, Gilson.  On Gilson's death, it was deeded it to his son, Walter.  Walter, in turn, deeded the property to his children, after which it was sold to outsiders.  In 1999, some of the lake front property (the former 13.69 acre Fellowship of the Cross Campground) was purchased by The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for the development of an educational field station.  The October 8, 1999, Conservancy press release (as reported by the Erie Times) stated that the property would be used "for the public to learn about glacial lakes and the biodiversity of Lake Pleasant.  It would also be a base for archaeological studies and the site."  The news release further stated "Lake Pleasant is considered the least disturbed by human impact of the region's glacial lakes".

(Newspaper article was contributed by LaVerne Hamilton, a former Lake Pleasant  resident.)

More About ABRAM KNAPP:

Burial: Phillipsville Cemetery, Phillipsville, PA

Will: April 09, 1865¹¹

Will probate: September 20, 1865, Lydia Knapp & William Pratt, Executors

Notes for LYDIA DONALDSON:

Lydia is probably buried in an unmarked grave with her husband, Abram.  The Lake Pleasant news reported her death saying "Rev. J. M. Mills of Phillipsville preached the funeral sermon from a text selected by the deceased.  The hymns sung were also of her selection.  Mrs. H Foster presided at the organ."

Also shows up as "Lidia".in the Greene Twp, Erie Co, PA, 1870 census.  "Lyda" Knapp, age 56 is listed in the 1880 Greene Township census.

Abagail Perry (Richards) writes, in March 1909, that Aunt Lydia Donaldson was her first schoolteacher.  Her second teacher was Aunt Polly Donaldson.

Newspaper clippings: 

        Mrs. Abram Knapp has been very ill but is a little better at present.  (6/10/1886)

        Mrs. Lydia Knapp is again on the sick list.  (12/9/1886)

More About LYDIA DONALDSON:

Burial: December 10, 1887, Phillipsville Cemetery, Phillipsville, PA

Children of ABRAM KNAPP and LYDIA DONALDSON are:

9.                i.    ORLANDO LORRAINE⁷ KNAPP, b. June 19, 1846, Erie Co, PA; d. March 17, 1926, Union City, PA.

10.             ii.    GILSON FILETUS KNAPP, b. May 19, 1848, Erie Co, PA; d. August 04, 1921, Venango Twp, Erie Co., PA.

11.            iii.    ROSSELL MELVILLE KNAPP, b. December 20, 1853, Erie Co, PA; d. October 24, 1913, Franklin, Venango County, PA.

                 iv.    GEROAME KNAPP¹², b. November 17, 1856, Erie County, PA; d. June 28, 1865, Erie County, PA.

Notes for GEROAME KNAPP:

Another record gives his birth as June 28, 1856.  Phillipsville Cemetery marker has name "Gerroame" and age at death to be 9 years, 3 months, 11 days.

Erie County Historical Museum records report some controversy over the parentage of Geroame.  One report indicates he is the son of Abram and Lydia; another reports he is the son of William and Caroline.  He is buried next to Abram and we will accept that parentage.   Phillipsville cemetery also lists a Geroame Knapp, son of William and Caroline, died 6/24/186? (marker is worn).

A family story has been passed down that he was Abram's son whose real name was Glen Geroame Knapp.  Further, that Orlando's son, Glen, was named for him.

More About GEROAME KNAPP:

Burial: Phillipsville Cemetery, Phillipsville, PA

5.  LAURA⁶ KNAPP (ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹)¹³ was born September 18, 1822 in Ripley, NY, and died September 1899 in Chapinville, PA.  She married ZACHEUS MORTON November 25, 1846 in Venango Twp, Erie Co., PA.  He was born June 24, 1821 in Groton, NY, and died April 29, 1881 in Chapinville, PA.

More About LAURA KNAPP:

Burial: Chapinville Cemetery, Crawford Co, PA

Notes for ZACHEUS MORTON:

On December 8, 1864, Abram and Lydia Knapp sold Zaccheus (spelled that way) a parcel of land in Venango and Greene Township.  (Erie County record 19/557)

The 1850 census has an Electa Morton (20), born in NY living with them.

The 1870 PA census has him living in Bloomfield Twp, Crawford County, PA, with son, Warren.  Census spelled his name as Zackeus.  He is listed in 1880 Bloomfield Twp census with Laurie and grandson, William.

More About ZACHEUS MORTON:

Burial: Chapinville Cemetery, Crawford Co, PA

Children of LAURA KNAPP and ZACHEUS MORTON are:

12.              i.    WARREN LISCOMB⁷ MORTON, b. November 05, 1848, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. December 04, 1918, Sac City, Iowa.

                  ii.    ALVIRA MORTON, b. Abt. 1850, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. 1890, Rockdale Twp, Crawford Co, PA; m. DANIEL KELLEY; b. 1845; d. May 24, 1917.

                 iii.    ROBERT WINFIELD SCOTT MORTON, b. January 25, 1853, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. November 19, 1909, Chapinville, Crawford Co, PA; m. ELIZABETH KLINE; b. Abt. 1857; d. October 14, 1927, Chapinville, Crawford Co, PA.

Notes for ROBERT WINFIELD SCOTT MORTON:

Listed in the 1880 Bloomfield Twp, Crawford Co, PA census as a farmer and living with wife, "Lizzie".  They are living next to his father, Zacheus.

                 iv.    IDA LAURA MORTON, b. December 08, 1856, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. May 05, 1930, Union City, PA; m. SAMUEL CHAPIN BROWN; b. August 09, 1854, Chapinville, Crawford Co, PA; d. December 05, 1917, Union City, PA.

Notes for IDA LAURA MORTON:

another record claims a December 8, 1856 birth date.

6.  LOUISA⁶ KNAPP (ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹)¹³ was born September 23, 1829, and died 1915 in Prob. Erie, PA.  She married (1) AMBROSE PRINGLE.  He died Bef. 1873.  She married (2) HIBBARD DRAKE December 02, 1873 in Erie County, PA. 

Notes for LOUISA KNAPP:

Listed in the 1880 Rockdale Township, Crawford County censes Louisa, age 45, with daughter "Lillie" (Lilian) Brown (21) and her husband Abelbert Brown (23).  The 1910 census has her as age 71 and living with her son, Otis, in the 5th Ward, Erie, PA.

Hibbard Drake marriage record gives her residence as Greene Township.

Notes for AMBROSE PRINGLE:

The Waterford 1870 census shows an Albert Pringle, age 49 (b. 1821), born in PA, living with Hannis+ Pringle (probably his mother), age 77, born in NY.  The 1865 Pringles lived just off Strong Road in Waterford Twp.

Notes for HIBBARD DRAKE:

Marriage record gives his domicile as Venango Township.

Marriage Notes for LOUISA KNAPP and HIBBARD DRAKE:

Rev. E H Baldwin performed the ceremony.

Children of LOUISA KNAPP and AMBROSE PRINGLE are:

                   i.    LILIAN⁷ PRINGLE.

13.             ii.    OTIS PRINGLE, b. April 05, 1852; d. December 12, 1917.

                 iii.    WILLIE F PRINGLE¹⁴, b. August 18, 1855; d. July 19, 1858.

More About WILLIE F PRINGLE:

Burial: Chester Owen Cemetery, Erie Co, PA

Generation No. 3

The Kent family enters the Knapp line in this generation.  Henry Kent was born in Middletown, Delaware County, NY, later moving to Shandaken in Ulster County, NY, and finally relocating to Waterford Township in 1854.   Henry’s ancestors can be traced back to John Kent (ca. 1485-1548) in Hampshire, England.  Immigrant Thomas Kent (1809-1658) arrived May 1, 1840, in Gloucester, MA

Henry Kent and his wife are buried in the Lakeside Cemetery, Erie, PA

7.  WILSON C⁷ WILLIAMS (LUCINDA⁶ KNAPP, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹)¹⁵ was born February 1836¹⁶.  He married MARY J UNKNOWN¹⁷ 1865¹⁸.  She was born December 1845¹⁸.

Notes for WILSON C WILLIAMS:

The 1850 census record has his birth as 1837.  The 1870 census has him living in Amity Township, Erie County as age 28 (born in 1842).  The 1880 census has him as age 44 (born in 1836).

Children of WILSON WILLIAMS and MARY UNKNOWN are:

                   i.    ELLA A⁸ WILLIAMS¹⁹, b. 1866, Amity Twp, Erie Co, PA.

                  ii.    ESTELL E WILLIAMS¹⁹, b. 1869, Amity Twp, Erie Co, PA.

                 iii.    IDA E WILLIAMS¹⁹, b. 1871, Amity Twp, Erie Co, PA.

14.            iv.    FRANK W WILLIAMS, b. March 1874, Amity Twp, Erie Co, PA.

                  v.    BYRON E WILLIAMS¹⁹, b. 1876, Amity Twp, Erie Co, PA.

                 vi.    GUY WILLIAMS¹⁹, b. 1880, Amity Twp, Erie Co, PA.

                vii.    JENNIE WILLIAMS²⁰, b. June 1882, PA.

8.  DELILAH⁷ KNAPP (ROBERT⁶, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born May 10, 1843 in Erie Co, PA, and died May 04, 1932 in Sac City, IA.  She married JAMES WREN August 15, 1871. 

Notes for JAMES WREN:

a Civil War veteran.

Children of DELILAH KNAPP and JAMES WREN are:

                   i.    ARTA⁸ WREN, d. December 07, 1908, Sioux City, Iowa.

                  ii.    ALTA WREN.

9.  ORLANDO LORRAINE⁷ KNAPP (ABRAM⁶, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born June 19, 1846 in Erie Co, PA, and died March 17, 1926 in Union City, PA.  He married LODEMA D KENT June 15, 1869²¹, daughter of HENRY KENT and MARY KELLEY.  She was born October 04, 1850 in Ulster County, NY, and died March 24, 1938 in Union City, PA.

Notes for ORLANDO LORRAINE KNAPP:

Listed in the 1880 Greene Township census as a farmer, age 34, and living with wife, Lodema (28), and children, "Verine" (9), Coral (8), Glenn (6), Thayer E (9 months) and "Dollie" (9 months).  In later life, he became a stonemason, teaching his grandson, Paul Williams.

Will #7313 (Vol. 5, page 65, block 6) filed 4/15/1922, Erie County, George Ottaway, petitioner and executor.

Buried on Evergreen cemetery, Union City, PA.  Funeral director: R H Glenn. 

He was a member of the Wattsburg Masonic Lodge (Blue Lodge) #533.  He "entered" 10/5/1889, "passed" 11/2/1889, and "raised" 12/7/1889.  He was president of the Lake Pleasant school in 1901-1902.

He had a team of oxen whose names were "Bright" and "Jerry".  He was a stonemason and active in the Masonic Lodge.  He also went by the name "Captain Knapp", but there is no evidence that the name was anything more than a nickname.

More About ORLANDO LORRAINE KNAPP:

Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

Cause of Death: acute cystitis and uremia

Notes for LODEMA D KENT:

Only one obituary record of the family gives Ulster County, NY, as her birthplace.  The others name Waterford, PA.  The records indicate that Henry Kent, her father, came to Waterford Township in 1854.  A birth year of 1850 places birth her location as Ulster County, NY.

LoDema always told her descendants and relatives that she had attended the Waterford Academy that was located in Waterford, PA.  In it's day, it was a prestigious school that had classes through the 8th grade. 

She died at the Union City home of her daughter, Mary Belle Knapp Ottaway.

Buried on Evergreen cemetery, Union City, PA.  Funeral director: Glenn.

More About LODEMA D KENT:

Burial: March 26, 1938, Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

Cause of Death: acute nephritis and hypostatic pneumonia

Marriage Notes for ORLANDO KNAPP and LODEMA KENT:

Rev. R. D. Walts, officiating.

Children of ORLANDO KNAPP and LODEMA KENT are:

15.              i.    VERNA PEARL⁸ KNAPP, b. May 09, 1872, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. February 07, 1954, Lake Pleasant, PA.

                  ii.    CORA LEE KNAPP, b. March 26, 1873, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. December 28, 1936, Union City, PA; m. ROBERT E RICHARDS, August 14, 1890, Erie, PA; b. August 14, 1864, Union City, PA; d. November 02, 1936, Union City, PA.

Notes for CORA LEE KNAPP:

Cora was childless, but became the mother to the semi-orphaned and unwanted children of her relatives.  Oren G Knapp, a nephew, became her first "adopted" child following the untimely death of Oren's mother.  Her ties were so great that she petitioned the court and was appointed legal guardian to manage Oren's estate from his grandfather, Joseph Dumond.  {Erie County record #7322, Vol 5, page 67, block 3)

Her second ward was Donald Knapp, another nephew, who came to her on the divorce of his parents, Otto and Clarabelle (Bush) Knapp.

A third ward was Harry N Williams, a great nephew, who came to her on the divorce of his parents, Paul and Lucy (Fay) Williams.  This match, however, was short lived because Harry continually ran away to search for his father.

Cora made a death bed will.  Present for the event were sisters Mary Belle and Dolla, and a niece, Maybelle Williams.  Maybelle spoke her assets and Cora replied as to who should receive them.  Cora's Union City home was to go to Oren G Knapp, the nephew she had helped to rear.  The unimproved land at Lake Pleasant, an earlier inheritance, was directed to Maybelle Williams.  The personal properties were to go to her sisters, Mary Belle, Vernie, and Dolla.

More About CORA LEE KNAPP:

Burial: December 30, 1936, Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

Notes for ROBERT E RICHARDS:

Birth year may be 1861.

More About ROBERT E RICHARDS:

Burial: November 04, 1936, Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

16.            iii.    GLEN GEROME KNAPP, b. April 21, 1876, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. April 20, 1946, Saranac, Ionia Co., MI.

17.            iv.    DOLLA EDNA KNAPP, b. August 19, 1880, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. December 20, 1952, Warren, PA.

18.             v.    THAYER(THOMAS) EDWIN(EDWARD) KNAPP, b. August 19, 1880, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. July 07, 1948, Elsmere, KY.

                 vi.    BABY GIRL KNAPP²², b. September 05, 1887, Lake Pleasant, PA²²; d. September 1887, Lake Pleasant, PA.

Notes for BABY GIRL KNAPP:

The newspaper reported the baby's weight as 12 1/2 pounds.  No name was given.

19.           vii.    CLAYTON ORLANDO KNAPP, b. June 17, 1889, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. December 07, 1954, Erie, PA.

20.          viii.    MARY BELLE KNAPP, b. February 19, 1891, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. June 05, 1986, Warren County, PA.

21.             ix.    OTTO DAVID KNAPP, b. August 05, 1893, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. November 04, 1970, Jamestown, NY.

10.  GILSON FILETUS⁷ KNAPP (ABRAM⁶, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born May 19, 1848 in Erie Co, PA, and died August 04, 1921 in Venango Twp, Erie Co., PA.  He married LUCY JEANETTE COX 1876, daughter of CHARLES COX and NANCY VAN BUREN.  She was born October 19, 1850 in Venango Twp, Erie Co., PA, and died December 26, 1934 in Westerville, OH.

Notes for GILSON FILETUS KNAPP:

Will file #7303 (Vol. 5, page 64, block 5) Erie County.  Jannette Knapp of Union City and Walter A Knapp of Westerville, Ohio, were the executors.  The will, dated October 12, 1917, was probated October 5, 1921.  The 1880 Venango Township census lists him as a farmer, age 32, wife "Nat. L Knapp (29), and son, Walter A (1).

Gilson was a man who must have hated his first name.  He went through life known as "G. F. Knapp".  Friends and relatives referred to him as "Gil", but his real estate deeds and transactions, his will, and the probate of his will were in the name of "G. F. Knapp", as was almost every other record.  It is only through an 1850 census record (when he was 2 years old) and his tombstone that we learn of his real first name.  Records of his relatives indicate his middle name was "Philetlus".

On February 20, 1873, (brother) Orlando Knapp swore out a warrant before Erie County Justice of the Peace, Timothy Butler, for the arrest of Henry Cotrell and Frank Bert "to answer a charge of assault and battery on the person of Gilson Knapp with the intent to kill."  (JP) Timothy Butler was also somewhat of a relative:  a sister to Gilson's mother was married to Timothy's brother.

Gilson is buried in the Phillipsville cemetery with his father and younger brother, Geroame.

Newspaper clippings:  

        Gilson Knapp is on the sick list.  (5/15/1889)

        G. F. Knapp cider mill running.  (9/3/1896)

More About GILSON FILETUS KNAPP:

Burial: Phillipsville Cemetery, Phillipsville, PA

Probate: October 05, 1921, Jannette & Walter Knapp, executors²³

Will: October 12, 1917

Notes for LUCY JEANETTE COX:

Lucy died while living with her son, Clyde.  She is buried in a grave she shares with Clyde's infant daughter, Ruth.

More About LUCY JEANETTE COX:

Burial: Westerville, OH

Children of GILSON KNAPP and LUCY COX are:

22.              i.    WALTER A⁸ KNAPP, b. June 08, 1878, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. September 02, 1960, Wattsburg, PA.

23.             ii.    CLYDE DIRE KNAPP, b. January 05, 1885, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. January 24, 1977, St. Petersburg, FL.

                 iii.    LETHA KNAPP, b. Unknown; d. Unknown; Adopted child.

Notes for LETHA KNAPP:

Letha married a Caldwell and had a son, Rogers Caldwell.  Believe she died at a relatively young age.

11.  ROSSELL MELVILLE⁷ KNAPP (ABRAM⁶, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born December 20, 1853 in Erie Co, PA, and died October 24, 1913 in Franklin, Venango County, PA.  He married MARY EVELYN SWEET.  She was born 1854²⁴, and died December 31, 1928 in Meadville, PA.

Notes for ROSSELL MELVILLE KNAPP:

He is listed as a farmer in the 1880 Greene Township census as "Rosell" with his wife "Evalyn” (26) and "Royal". 

Rossell's will (#7314: Vol. 5, page 65, block 7) was filed 6/30/1914 in Erie County with "Mrs. Eva Knapp and Mr. Royal Knapp" as executors and beneficiaries of the estate.  The will was written 6/27/1909 and witnessed by his nieces, Verna Williams and Cora Richards. 

Rossell inherited Abram's house and, years later, sold to Gilson.  Gilson's son, Walter, was the next owner and Walter's son, Millard, was the last Knapp owner.

In his writings, nephew Clyde Knapp referenced him as "Rozell".  Walter Knapp's daughter, Peg, referred to him as "Rosel".

More About ROSSELL MELVILLE KNAPP:

Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

Will: June 27, 1909²⁵

Will probate: January 05, 1914²⁶

Notes for MARY EVELYN SWEET:

Royal referred to her as "Eva" in his will.  At one time she had been a delegate to the WCTU Convention in Edinboro, PA.

More About MARY EVELYN SWEET:

Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

Child of ROSSELL KNAPP and MARY SWEET is:

24.              i.    ROYAL I⁸ KNAPP, b. October 21, 1877, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. May 06, 1942, Meadville, PA.

12.  WARREN LISCOMB⁷ MORTON (LAURA⁶ KNAPP, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born November 05, 1848 in Lake Pleasant, PA, and died December 04, 1918 in Sac City, Iowa.  He married HENRIETTA KELLY December 23, 1866 in Crawford County, PA.  She was born 1850 in Brown Hill, Crawford Co, PA.

Notes for WARREN LISCOMB MORTON:

The 1870 census has him living in Bloomfield Twp, Crawford Co, PA.

Children of WARREN MORTON and HENRIETTA KELLY are:

                   i.    WILLIAM⁸ MORTON, b. September 22, 1868, Crawford County, PA; d. March 18, 1931, Benson, Swift Co, MN; m. SOPHIA STEVENS, February 20, 1901, Elm Grove; b. Unknown; d. Unknown.

                  ii.    MINNIE ARMINTA MORTON, b. October 22, 1869, Crawford County, PA; d. April 01, 1931, Sac City, Iowa; m. LEWIS MCCREA, December 10, 1890, Grant City, Iowa.

                 iii.    IDA MAY MORTON, b. May 31, 1872, Crawford County, PA; d. October 10, 1955, Sac City, Iowa; m. CHARLES CLAYTON MAXSON, November 23, 1898.

                 iv.    LAURA LOUISA MORTON, b. June 17, 1876, Sac City, Iowa; d. 1954; m. FRED HOLLOWAY.

                  v.    DOLL MORTON, b. 1877, Sac City, Iowa; d. Unknown, Sac City, Iowa.

                 vi.    LINCOLN MORTON, b. 1877, Sac City, Iowa; d. 1894, Sac City, Iowa.

                vii.    WARREN LISCOMB MORTON, JR, b. January 01, 1878, Sac City, Iowa; d. 1895, Iowa.

               viii.    MARY AGNES M MORTON, b. March 04, 1880, Sac City, Iowa; d. Unknown; m. DAVID RAY TOBIN.

                  ix.    DORA ETTA MORTON, b. August 25, 1882, Sac City, Iowa; d. September 27, 1953, Windom, Cottomwood Co, MN; m. JERY STEVENS.

                   x.    NELLIE LENORA MORTON, b. April 16, 1885, Sac City, Iowa; d. 1976; m. THOMAS AARON PRAWL; b. 1869; d. 1950.

                  xi.    FRED S MORTON, b. May 01, 1888, Sac City, Iowa; d. September 28, 1963, Casbro Valley, CA; m. JESSIE DIADEMMA ISRAEL; b. November 26, 1893, Memphis, MO; d. July 02, 1997, Lynnwood, Snohomish Co, WA.

                 xii.    ANNA BLANCHE MORTON, b. 1890, Sac City, Iowa; d. January 22, 1924; m. JAMES EDWARD GREEN.

                xiii.    ELWOOD MORTON, b. 1891; d. 1891.

                xiv.    WILLIAM JAY MORTON, b. December 25, 1891, Sac City, Iowa; d. December 25, 1891, Sac City, Iowa.

                 xv.    CHARLES CLARENCE MORTON, b. Unknown; d. October 24, 1891, Sac City, Iowa.

13.  OTIS⁷ PRINGLE (LOUISA⁶ KNAPP, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born April 05, 1852, and died December 12, 1917.  He married MARY ETTA KING, daughter of JACOB KING and ROXANA WILCOX.  She was born April 02, 1862, and died November 03, 1923.

More About OTIS PRINGLE:

Burial: Chapinville Cemetery, Rockdale Twp, Crawford Co, PA

More About MARY ETTA KING:

Burial: Chapinville Cemetery, Rockdale Twp, Crawford Co, PA

Child of OTIS PRINGLE and MARY KING is:

25.              i.    ALMON EUGENE⁸ PRINGLE, b. May 26, 1895; d. June 1973.

Generation No. 4

The Dumond, Ottaway, and (Robert) Williams families enter the Knapp line in this generation.

Several of Orlando Knapp’s children married sons of Rev. Thomas Jefferson Williams, a former resident of Greenwood Township, Crawford County, PA who had become a local minister to the Lake Pleasant area.  He was not related to the Ellis Williams line but had ancestor Robert Williams as a 1790’s settler in Crawford County.

The DuMonds originated from Holland and France.  Wallerand Dumont (1637-1713) came to the Netherlands from persecution in France.  He arrived in New Amsterdam in 1657 on the ship "Draetrat" which sailed from Amsterdam on April 2, 1657, or the "Jan Baptist" which sailed December 23, 1657.  He was a 2nd Lt in Dutch West Indies Company forces under command of Peter Stuyvesant.  He settled in Esopus, NY, about 1660.  It was his descendant John Dumond (1802-1865) who moved his family from New Kingston, Delaware County, NY to the Lake Pleasant area.

George Ottaway arrived in the Union City, PA in 1911.  He was a descendant of James Ottaway whose journey to America was printed in the June 9, 1982 Union City “Times Leader”:  James Ottaway “came to America with 5 children, leaving their home in Headcorn, Kent County, England on 4/24/1823, traveling to London where they had passage on the ship "London" for America.  They arrived in New York 6/23/1823.  The passage took 52 days at sea.  From New York they booked passage on the Sloop David Porter for Newburgh, NY, arriving there on 6/28/1823.  They then traveled overland to Buffalo, arriving there 8/20/1823, and then to the Clymer, NY, area, arriving there 9/10/1823.  He purchased 183 acres of land at $2/acre and built a barn which cost $82”.

14.  FRANK W⁸ WILLIAMS (WILSON C⁷, LUCINDA⁶ KNAPP, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹)²⁷ was born March 1874 in Amity Twp, Erie Co, PA²⁸.  He married NELLIE UNKNOWN.  She was born August 1874 in PA²⁸.

Children of FRANK WILLIAMS and NELLIE UNKNOWN are:

                   i.    DALLAS⁹ WILLIAMS²⁸, b. December 1891.

                  ii.    ETHEL WILLIAMS²⁸, b. January 1896.

15.  VERNA PEARL⁸ KNAPP (ORLANDO LORRAINE⁷, ABRAM⁶, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born May 09, 1872 in Lake Pleasant, PA, and died February 07, 1954 in Lake Pleasant, PA.  She married MEADE HAROLD WILLIAMS November 24, 1898 in Erie, PA, son of THOMAS WILLIAMS and EMMA TAYLOR.  He was born March 20, 1875 in Crawford Co, PA, and died January 15, 1953 in Union City, PA.

Notes for VERNA PEARL KNAPP:

Gave the name "Vernie" on her marriage license.  Later, and as her musical career progressed, she changed her name to "Vernach".   She was an active member of the WCTU (unusual because all her brothers were heavy drinkers).  She, however, was not an active church member and never played piano for any of her brother-in-law's church or camp meetings.

A classical musician and artist; had art exhibited in 1901 at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. (the one at which President William McKinley was shot and killed)  She wrote and published the song, "Moonlight on Lake Pleasant".  The song was available on sheet music and had Verna's picture on the cover.

In later years, Vernie suffered from what is now known as Alzheimer disease.  Funeral services were held at the Lake Pleasant U.B. church.  Presiding ministers were Rev. O.E. Williams and Rev. Charles McIntyre.

More About VERNA PEARL KNAPP:

Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

Notes for MEADE HAROLD WILLIAMS:

His child's birth record lists him is a farmer.  He was also a horse trader. 

During the depression era, Meade lost his home to creditors, however, anticipating their move, he and Verna were able to keep most of their furniture, piano, and personal possessions by relocating them into the homes of relatives.  When economic times improved, they were able to build another home in the Lake Pleasant area.

Marriage Notes for VERNA KNAPP and MEADE WILLIAMS:

Rev Richard Pears performed the ceremony.

Child of VERNA KNAPP and MEADE WILLIAMS is:

                   i.    HAROLD EMMETT⁹ WILLIAMS, b. June 08, 1899, Crawford Co, PA; d. November 03, 1986, Port Richey, FL; m. (1) FLOSSIE WINNIFRED SHREVE, April 18, 1923, Union City, PA; b. September 21, 1903, Bloomfield Tnshp, PA; d. March 1986; m. (2) LAURA GERTRUDE WILLIAMS, Aft. 1930, Lake Pleasant, PA; b. March 01, 1902, Harmonsburg, PA²⁹; d. September 1984, Port Richey, FL.

Notes for HAROLD EMMETT WILLIAMS:

Marriage birth date gives 6/12/1899.

Notes for FLOSSIE WINNIFRED SHREVE:

Flossie subsequently married one of the two people named in the adultery charge (Morton).

Notes for LAURA GERTRUDE WILLIAMS:

Gertrude was the granddaughter of Mary Adeline Frogue Bault Williams, second wife of Rev. T.J. Williams.

16.  GLEN GEROME⁸ KNAPP (ORLANDO LORRAINE⁷, ABRAM⁶, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born April 21, 1876 in Lake Pleasant, PA, and died April 20, 1946 in Saranac, Ionia Co., MI.  He married (1) HATTIE ESTELLE DUMOND August 01, 1897 in Findley Lake, NY, daughter of JOEL DUMOND and HARRIET SHERMAN.  She was born April 22, 1880 in Greene Twp, Erie County, PA, and died June 1905 in Iron River, Bayfield, WI³⁰.  He married (2) NORA E SHREVE June 24, 1911 in Union City, PA³¹, daughter of CASH SHREVE and LAURA HOUSTON.  She was born February 15, 1891 in Berea, OH³¹, and died 1963 in Saranac, Ionia Co., MI.

Notes for GLEN GEROME KNAPP:

Glen signed his marriage license with Nora using the middle initial "C".  He may have had a 3rd spouse (Ried).

Glen and his cousin, Walter, were very childhood friends and married (DuMond) sisters.  The DuMonds lived a short distance (north northwest) from the Knapps.

Glen also received a sum of money from a 1919 law suite resulting from timber stolen from his land.

He worked for the Great Northern RR and homesteaded land in Wisconsin.  The home burned in 1935 (or 1936) after which the government reclaimed all the lands in the area.

Lived with Hattie Dumond in Iron River, WI.

Lived with Nora in Fairview township, PA, and Michigan.

Notes for HATTIE ESTELLE DUMOND:

Listed in the 1880 Greene Township census as age 6.

A school teacher and lived in a mud-type of log cabin in Iron River, WI.

Their first child, an unnamed girl, died in infancy.

Newspaper clippings:  Mrs. Glenn Knapp of Union City guest of her sister-in-law Mrs. W. Knapp (12/15/1897).

Notes for NORA E SHREVE:

Nora allegedly told her son, Russell, that she was 1/2 Indian. 

Marriage Notes for GLEN KNAPP and NORA SHREVE:

Married by H. H. Williams.

Child of GLEN KNAPP and HATTIE DUMOND is:

                   i.    OREN GLENN⁹ KNAPP³², b. January 14, 1903, Iron River, WI; d. April 24, 1963, Fraser, MI; m. MILDRED DORA SMITH³³, March 24, 1934, Waterford Twp, Erie Co, PA; b. August 19, 1909, North Girard, PA; d. July 11, 1993, Tarpon Springs, FL.

Notes for OREN GLENN KNAPP:

Born February 19 something.

Hattie died when Oren was 2 years old, after which he went to live with a Morland family until he was 4.  He then went to live with Cora Knapp Richards in Union City, PA. 

More About OREN GLENN KNAPP:

Burial: Cadilac Gardens Cemetery, Mt Clemens, MI

Notes for MILDRED DORA SMITH:

Twin sister to Marion Smith Ellis. Mildred ran away from home as a child, worked at the town library, and eloped with Oren.  Her tyrannical father had kept the girl as his housekeeper.

 More About MILDRED DORA SMITH:

Burial: Cadilac Gardens Cemetery, Mt Clemens, MI

Marriage Notes for OREN KNAPP and MILDRED SMITH:

Rev John E Barr performed the service.

Children of GLEN KNAPP and NORA SHREVE are:

                  ii.    ORLANDO CASSIUS⁹ KNAPP, b. February 07, 1912, Meadville, Crawford Co, PA³⁴; d. January 15, 1993, Archbold, OH³⁵; m. HAZEL HARVEY, February 22, 1941; b. July 14, 1914.

Notes for ORLANDO CASSIUS KNAPP:

The Dallas Knapp files show birth date of July 1, 1912; this may be in interpolation of 1/7/1912 and 7/1/1912.

Served in the US Army during WW II. 

Body was cremated.

                 iii.    LEROY ELMER KNAPP, b. March 06, 1914, Meadville, Crawford Co, PA³⁶; d. August 1947, Alpena, MI³⁶; m. DOROTHY R SOLOMON^37,38; b. September 19, 1918.

Notes for LEROY ELMER KNAPP:

Served in the Merchant Marine during WW II. 

LeRoy died in an automobile accident.  One relative described the incident as a "single car" mishap. 

                 iv.    KENNETH K KNAPP, b. March 19, 1916, Lake Pleasant, Erie County, PA; d. February 02, 1998, Au Gress, MI; m. JUNE ALICE MACLEAN, May 24, 1941, Lansing, MI³⁹; b. August 06, 1919, Bay City, MI.

Notes for KENNETH K KNAPP:

Birth record name is Kenneth Virgil Knapp.  Kenny apparently disliked the middle name and replaced it with the letter "K".   He was born in a tent in which his parents lived at Lake Pleasant, PA.

Served in the Navy in WW II.

                  v.    THAYER KNAPP, b. July 29, 1918, Fairview, Erie Co., PA⁴⁰; d. March 17, 1919, Fairview, PA⁴¹.

Notes for THAYER KNAPP:

Died of pneumonia. Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, PA:  Cemetery interment #2164.  Section I, lot #13, South 1/2, grave #2

.

                 vi.    RUSSELL GEROME KNAPP, b. April 16, 1921, Fairview, PA⁴²; m. (1) MARION NYE; b. Abt. 1924, Salem, OH; m. (2) ALICE WHITE; b. 1912, Del Hart, Texas⁴³.

Notes for RUSSELL GEROME KNAPP:

Russell loved the sea and spent much of his life on the seas.  He was on a navy tugboat at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  Following his separation from the Navy, he worked as a seaman on cargo ships on the Great Lakes and on the high seas.  He traveled the world until age and disabilities relegated him to a more mundane life.

The relationship of Russell and first wife, Marion, entailed a 6-year courtship followed by a 30-day marriage.  He describes his relationship with Alice White as "following God's Law (common law)".

Marriage Notes for RUSSELL KNAPP and MARION NYE:

Marriage lasted one month.  Russell says that he married her, went to sea, and she divorced him while he was gone.

Marriage Notes for RUSSELL KNAPP and ALICE WHITE:

Common law marriage lasted five years and ended with her death.

                vii.    LAURA LODEMA KNAPP, b. May 09, 1924, Fairview, PA; d. February 28, 1931, Fairview, PA⁴⁴.

Notes for LAURA LODEMA KNAPP:

Died of meningitis resulting from receiving a diphtheria shot while having the chicken pox.

More About LAURA LODEMA KNAPP:

Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, PA, Cemetery interment #2165.  Section I, lot #13, South 1/2, grave #1.

17.  DOLLA EDNA⁸ KNAPP (ORLANDO LORRAINE⁷, ABRAM⁶, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born August 19, 1880 in Lake Pleasant, PA, and died December 20, 1952 in Warren, PA.  She married HENRY HARRISON WILLIAMS December 28, 1896 in Findley Lake, NY, son of THOMAS WILLIAMS and EMMA TAYLOR.  He was born July 30, 1877 in Greenwood Township, Crawford Co, PA, and died January 03, 1963 in Warren, PA.

Notes for DOLLA EDNA KNAPP:

Twin (litter mate) to Thayer Edwin Knapp.

Funeral services were held in the Lake Pleasant Church, Dr. O.E. Williams and Dr. H. Ray Harris, presiding.  Buried Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA.

Funeral tribute by brother-in-law O. E. Williams:

                Rest Dolla, rest, rest on --

                Till the song of the bird,

                And the break of the morn:

                When the shadows lift;

                And the night is gone.

                Rest Dolla, rest, rest on.

   (Taken from page 2 of the February 1953 edition of The Erie Conference News)

Listed on page 14 of the United Methodist Church's Women in the Ministry:  "Licentaite 1912 Erie United Brethren Church".

Newspaper clippings:  Married at Findley Lake.  Miss Dollie Knapp to Harry Williams. (1/13/1898)

Notes for “HARRY” (HENRY HARRISON) WILLIAMS:

He was a pastor of the Wayne Valley and Union City Evangelical United Brethren Churches, and several others.  He attended Sugar Grove Seminary, one of the early educational institutions of the United Brethren in Christ Church.

On August 8, 1938, the Lake Pleasant property (home of “Harry” and Dolla) was deeded to "Neva Pearl Williams, of Geneva, in the County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania".  The property is described as:  "All that certain piece of parcel of land situate in the Township of Venango, County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania, bounded and further described as follows, to-wit:-

   Beginning at a stake in the west shore of Lake Pleasant at a point in line dividing the property formerly of O. (Orlando) L. Knapp and C. (Clyde) D. Knapp; thence South 89 degrees-30' West, eight hundred sixty-three and two tenths (863.2) feet to an iron pin in center line of the public road; thence along center line of said road, North 01 degree-33' East, one hundred forty-one and seven tenths (141.7) feet to an iron pin; thence by land as originally chosen by Verna Williams et vir, North 89 degrees-30' East, seven hundred and eighty (780) feet or to shore of said lake; thence along shore of said lake, Southeasterly, to the place of beginning, and containing two and seven tenths (2.7) acres of land, more or less.

  Being part of same premises which Clayton Knapp et al conveyed to said Charles L Weislogel by their deed, bearing date of the sixth day of November, 1931 and recorded in Deed Book _____ at page ____."

Note to above property transaction   Charles Weislogel and wife Margeret were "names/persons of convenience" used by real estate attorneys to more easily convey property.  The property was held in Neva's name because of prior financial problems experienced by Henry and Dolla.

Twenty-four ministers of the EUB Erie Conference attended his funeral services at which Dr. H. Ray Harris, Corry EUB pastor, presided.  Interment was made in the Evergreen Cemetery in Union City, PA.

More About “HARRY” (HENRY HARRISON) WILLIAMS:

Fact 1: 1906, Quarterly Conference License, Lake Pleasant, PA⁴⁵

Fact 2: 1908, Annual Conference License, Bradford, PA⁴⁵

Fact 3: 1912, Ordained at Buffalo First Church (UB)⁴⁶

Fact 4: Bet. 1906 - 1907, Pastor, Lake Pleasant, PA (UB)

Fact 5: Bet. 1907 - 1910, Pastor, Bear Lake, PA (UB)

Fact 6: Bet. 1910 - 1915, Pastor, Union City, PA (UB)

Fact 7: Bet. 1915 - 1917, Pastor, Warren, PA (UB)

Fact 8: Bet. 1917 - 1931, Evangelist

Fact 9: 1932, Pastor, Grand Valley, PA (UB)

Fact 10: Bet. 1932 - 1934, Pastor, Wayne Valley, PA (UB)

Fact 11: Bet. 1934 - 1936, Pastor, Cranesville, PA and Albion, PA (UB)

Fact 12: Bet. 1936 - 1946, Pastor, Geneva, PA (UB)

Fact 13: Bet. 1946 - 1948, General Evangelist

Marriage Notes for DOLLA KNAPP and “HARRY” WILLIAMS:

Married by Rev. L. L. Hager; witnesses: Mrs. E. L. Hager, Miss Pearl Hager.

Children of DOLLA KNAPP and “HARRY” WILLIAMS are:

                   i.    PAUL HARRY⁹ WILLIAMS, b. February 25, 1898, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. January 11, 1966, Warren, PA; m. (1) LUCY MAY FAY⁴⁷, March 20, 1922, Union City, PA⁴⁸; b. October 05, 1901, Concord Twp, Erie County, PA⁴⁹; d. February 03, 1989, Chino, CA⁵⁰; m. (2) NEVA PEARL BENNETT, Abt. 1936; b. May 24, 1903, Sturgis Corners, PA; d. September 03, 1983, Warren, PA.

More About PAUL HARRY WILLIAMS:

Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

Notes for LUCY MAY FAY:

Lucy was an 11th generation descendant of 1620 Mayflower passengers, John & Joan (Hurst) Tilley and John Howland.

Erie County courthouse record filed 5/26/1902 gives the name: May Fay.

Buried in West Salem Cemetery, West Salem, OH, with her second husband, Orlo E Sturdevant.

Investigations into the years following the death of Orlo were a sad revelation.  She led a lonely and reclusive life tending to avoid modern conveniences such as public water and sewage, and avoiding the town’s people of West Salem.  She avoided banks and kept her money in her home.  In the early to mid 1980's, her home caught fire and the fire rescue team found her in her living room looking out of the window as the fire raged behind her, singing her hair.  Most of her money was consumed in the fire.  Her son, living in Chino, CA, took her to his home where she lived the remaining years of her life.

Marriage Notes for PAUL WILLIAMS and LUCY FAY:

Marriage license (Erie, PA) indicated that Lucy worked in a Union City chair factory; Paul was a "trombonist".

Divorce action commenced by Paul Williams.  Grounds for divorce: desertion.

Notes for NEVA PEARL BENNETT:

Suffered from Alzheimer’s and died in a nursing home.

More About NEVA PEARL BENNETT:

Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, PA

                  ii.    MAYBELLE EMMA WILLIAMS, b. April 15, 1899, Lake Pleasant, PA; d. April 09, 1992, Cleveland, OH; m. CHARLES KELSEY ROBERTS, July 16, 1936, Jamestown, NY; b. February 20, 1902, Erie County, PA; d. May 1976, Buckeye, AZ.

More About MAYBELLE EMMA WILLIAMS:

Fact 1: May 23, 1954, BA in Education, Arizona State, Tempe, AZ

Fact 2: Abt. 1921, attended Edinboro State Normal School

Fact 3: Buried in All Souls Cemetery, section 24, lot 532, South Euclid, OH

Fact 4: Funeral home: Maher-Melbourne

Marriage Notes for MAYBELLE WILLIAMS and CHARLES ROBERTS:

Rev. Raymond Schli of Erie, PA officiated.  In attendance included brother Paul Williams, Ray Roberts of Sinclairville, NY, Delia May Roberts of Erie, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Sterns of Corry, PA, Harold Williams of Union City, PA, and Audrey Clayton of Erie, PA.

18.  THAYER(THOMAS) EDWIN(EDWARD)⁸ KNAPP (ORLANDO LORRAINE⁷, ABRAM⁶, ROBERT⁵, PAUL⁴, SETH³, SAMUEL², AARON¹) was born August 19, 1880 in Lake Pleasant, PA, and died July 07, 1948 in Elsmere, KY.  He married (1) NELLIE MURPHY Bef. 1920.    He married (2) GENEVA GREEN HENDERSON 1921 in Irvin, KY, daughter of THOMAS HENDERSON and MARY REYNOLDS.  She was born June 04, 1900 in Cow Creek, Estill Co, KY, and died March 27, 1999 in Maryville, TN.