My Genealogy Hound

JEFFERSON F. KNECHT. Among the well known and progressive citizens of Northampton County, who trace their ancestry to Germany, is the subject of this biography, who holds the position of Postmaster at Copella, Moore Township. Since the fall of 1885 he has been engaged in the general mercantile business at this point, and carries a full assortment of dry goods and groceries. His appointment as Postmaster was received in 1889, since which time he has had charge of the office.

The original representative of the Knecht family in Northampton County was our subject’s great-grandfather, who in a very early day came to Bushkill Township, where his descendants have mainly resided since then. Our subject was born November 19, 1860, in this county, of which his parents, Jackson and Phoebe (Davinson) Knecht, were likewise natives. His childhood years were passed upon his father’s farm in Bushkill Township. In attendance at the public schools of the district and in the work of the farm, his early years passed pleasantly but uneventfully. Later he attended Bryant & Stratton’s Business College in Philadelphia, from which practical and well known institution he was afterward graduated. For some three years afterward he taught school, in which profession he was successful.

In the year 1885 Mr. Knecht formed a partnership with A. H. Miller, for the purpose of carrying on a general mercantile business, the firm title being Knecht & Miller. This connection continued until 1890, when by mutual consent the partnership was dissolved, the senior member of the firm succeeding to the business and becoming sole proprietor. His methods are upright and progressive, and he ranks among the leading young business men of the county. As Postmaster he has been a faithful public servant, and enjoys the confidence of his constituents and the esteem of his many friends.

The marriage of Mr. Knecht and Miss Ellen J. Schall was celebrated December 24, 1887. Her father, Jacob Schall, is a resident of Moore Township, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Knecht are the parents of two children, a son and daughter, named respectively Warren J. and Eva M. The family move in the best social circles and are highly respected. In civic societies Mr. Knecht is interested and belongs to Aluta Lodge No. 488, I. O. O. F., of Aluta, Pa. He is a member of the Lutheran Church of Moorestown, and is one of the active workers of the congregation.