My Genealogy Hound

JAMES E. KNERR, a well known resident of Kreidersville, Northampton County, has been engaged in the harness business since 1872. He manufactures a fine quality of that necessary article, and keeps in his establishment every description of harness used in the country. Mr. Knerr is a native of Lehigh County, having been born in Lowhill Township, June 3, 1846, and is the son of Owen and Susan (Geddes) Knerr, who were born respectively in Lehigh and Union Counties. Owen Knerr was a farmer by occupation, owning a good estate in Lowhill Township, Lehigh County, which he carried on until his decease. The family have been residents of this section for many years, and are widely and favorably known.

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in his native town, spending his early years in attendance at the district school. His education, thus obtained, was of a very meager sort, but being a great reader he has constantly added to his fund of knowledge, and is to-day an intelligent and well informed man. When a lad of nineteen years he began learning the harness-maker’s trade under the instruction of Jeremiah Klotz, also living in Lowhill Township, with whom he remained for some time, later going to Newark, N. J., where he completed his trade, after which he worked as a journeyman in New York City. After returning to this state young Knerr was employed in Bethlehem for two years, and in 1872 started in business for himself in Kreidersville.

James E. Knerr and Miss Amelia Wannemacher were united in marriage in 1872. The lady was born in Lehigh County and was the daughter of Joseph K. Wannemacher, now deceased, and Maria Wannemacher, formerly also a resident of the above county. By this marriage there were four children, of whom Edgar E., Raymond S. and Lizzie F. are now living. Warren J. is deceased.

In politics Mr. Knerr is a stanch adherent of Republican principles, always giving his vote and influence in their behalf. He is a member of the Reformed Church, having served as Deacon in the congregation known as Zion’s Stone Church, and is now Trustee. He is highly regarded by all who know him for those sterling traits of character that mark him as eminently worthy of respect.