The Knappers

wantingcaution !! this is an initial draft ... these notes are on my server for safe keeping !!

 

 

 

 

The Knappers

Congleton MillsLyndon Murgatroyd, in his wonderful book about the mills of Congleton, records that Nathaniel Barton built Salford Mill, a silk mill at the bottom of Rood Hill around 1848. From 1890 to 1893 Salford Mill was used for fustian cutting by Edward Knapper ... and Edward & George Knapper occupied Bridge Mill, Royal Street from 1896 to 1906 as fustian cutters.

Who was Edward Knapper?

Phil Walton's website details an abundance about the Knappers! Phil has traced an epic migration of Knappers to Congleton ... a superb story of large, very large, families and a search for lucrative work in collieries and in the silk & fustian mills.

William Knapper (1735-97) the dynasty leader was born in Talke, Staffordshire around 1735.

Talke to Kidsgrove 2 miles ... toTunstall 3 miles ... to Audley 3 miles ... to Goldenhill 3 miles ... to Wolstanton 4 miles ... to Burslem 4 miles ... to Newchapel 4 miles ... to Barthomley 5 miles ... to Wheelock 7 miles ... to Congleton 7 miles ... to Tipton, Birmingham 40 miles

He married two girls from Audley ... but not at the same time! ... Jane Hancock in 1757 and Mary Adjett in 1761, and he managed extraordinary issues, 2 from Jane and 11 from Mary, 13 kids, what a man!

William died exhausted, in Audley in 1797.

Jane HancockJane Hancock (-1761) married William 5 Feb 1757 Audley ... Jane died 5 Nov 1761 Audley ...

William & Jane had 2 children -  

2. John Knapper (1759-61) was Jane Hancock's second child, died an infant aged two, buried 13 Oct 1761 ... just before his mum died. But Jane's first child Edward went on to sire the Barthomley & Congleton Knappers ...

1. Edward Knapper (1757-1847) son of William & Jane, baptised 1 Jan 1758 Audley
married Elizabeth Thursfield (1752-1816) 1 Jan 1781 Barthomley ... Daughter of William & Mary, baptised 26 Nov 1752 Barthomley ... William was a Shoemaker from Haslington.   

Great grandfather Edward (1757-1847) was one to note, he was the g-grandfather of the fustian cutter brothers Edward (1853-1902) & George (1856-1921) of Congleton.  

Edward born in Audley in 1757 and married Elizabeth Thursfield in St Bertolines, Barthomley. Elizabeth was the daughter of William and Mary Thursfield of Haslington. Edward was a Husbandman when he married. It is not known when Edward moved to Barthomley, however he had 6 children and they were all christened at St Bertolines. The births were at Barthomley, Englands Brook and Ingleshaw of Englands Brook. Englands Brook in now known as Englesea Brook and is in Barthomley.

Edward & Elizabeth had 6 children -

1 William Knapper (1782-) 
married Martha Bayley (-)

2 Joseph Knapper (1783-1854) ... Post Officer of Betley     
married Sarah Boyd (-1864)    ... died 17 June 1864 Betley

3 John Knapper  (1786-1870) was Edward & Elizabeth's third born son was and he was christened at St Bertolines on 3 April 1786 he was the grandfather of the fustian cutter brothers Edward (1853-1902) & George (1856-1921) of Congleton.

baptised 3 April 1786 Barthomley ... confirmed ...    
married Hannah Oaks (1783-1850) 31 December 1810 St Bertolines, Barthomley ... a local girl
John was born in Barthomley in 1786 but he moved to Buglawton (Congleton) some time before 1841. John was living in Mill Street Buglawton in 1841 and 1851, he did not appear there in the 1861 census. John, Farm Labourer, died aged 84 on the 21 April 1870 in Havannah Street, Buglawton.
He was buried at St John's Buglawton two days later.

John & Hannah had 7 children, most were born in Wheelock Cheshire -

1 Joseph Knapper (1811-)  
married Elizabeth Dale (-)   

2 William Knapper (1812-)   
married Margaret Mandley (1813-88)   

William & Margaret 8 children -

1 - Ann Knapper (1837-73)  
married James Birtles (-)

2 - James Knapper (1839-1915) 
married Eliza Simms (-) ... no children
married Julia Bethell (-) 26 March 1871 St Stephen's, Congleton ... father William (-) Cotton Spinner, father Elijah Bithell (-) Collier ... witnesses John Sherratt, Sarah Napper ... 

James & Julia 8 children -

---- 1 Mary Polly Knapper (1872-)
married W Tomlinson (-)

---- 2 Ann Knapper (1873-1955)  
married William Swindlehurst (-) 

---- 3 Ciceley Kapper (1876-) 
married George William Thorley (-)

---- 4 Eliza Knapper (-)  
married James Yates (-)   

---- 5 James Knapper (1883-1938)  
married Ellen Newbold (-)   

---- 6 Ada Knapper (1885-)
married Frank Lancake (-)

---- 7 Alfred Knapper (1887-1954) 
married Sarh Ann Hankey (-) 

---- 8 ArthurKnapper  (1890-1974)  
married Alice Martha Hall (-)

3 - Edward Knapper (1842-)
married Caroline Chapman (-)  

4 - George Knapper (1844-46)

5 - William Knapper (1846-51)  

6 - Mary Knapper (1849-52)

7 - John Knapper (1852--58)

8 - Sarah Knapper (1854-1910)  
married William Brayford (-)

3 Sarah Knapper (1817-)   

4 Elizabeth Knapper (1819-) 
married William Wright (-)

5 Charles Knapper (1822-89) baptised 19 May 1822 Haslington ... the father of the fustian cutting brothers!    
 married Mary Pace (1822-74) 1849

- Edward Knapper (1853-1903) ... Fustian Makers ... baptised 1853 Eaton  
married Sarah Ann Dutton neé Hunt (-) 23 Feb 1879 ... Sarah Fustian Cutter ...   

- George Knapper (1856-1921) ... Fustian Makers ... of Congleton   

6 John Knapper (1825-) baptised in Sandbach close to Wheelock  

7 Hannah Knapper (1827-)  
married Charles Fruen (-)

In 1841 census the family were at Mill Street Buglawton - John (1786-) 55, Hannah (1783-) 58, Sarah (1817-) 24, Elizabeth (1821-) 20, Charles (1822-) 18, John (1824-) 16, Hannah (1826-) 14 ... John was labouring but the family were in silk & cotton.

Most of the Congleton Knappers were descended from John & Hannah.

Edward was buried at St Bertolines at the age of 90 in 1847.  

4 Elizabeth Knapper (1788-1808)

5 Edward Knapper (1791-1854) 
married Mary Venables (-)

6 Sarah Knapper (1795-)
married Samuel Astbury (-)

Mary AdjettMary Adjett (1735-) married William 21 Dec 1761 Audley ...
William & Mary had 10 children born in Audley - 1 born in Newchapel?

1 Sarah (1763-) baptised 23 Jan 1763 Audley, Daughter of William & Mary.

2 John Knapper (1765-) baptised 1765 Audley, son of William & Mary ... and again baptised May 1765 Audley ... 
married Martha Stephonson (1760-1804) 28 May 1787 Audley ... (1278827) ... alternative spelling Stevenson?? Martha, Daughter of John & Margaret, baptised 5 Nov 1760 Burslem ...

John & Martha's children were -

Fanny (Frances) Knapper (1790-) Daughter of John & Martha, baptised 7 March 1790 Audley
married Benjamin Hancock (-) 8 April 1811 at St James Audley ... (1278827) ... 

Benjamin & Fanny had children -

- Ann Hancock 
married William Henry Condliffe, son of John Condliffe & Mary Poole

- Joseph (-)

- George (-)

- William (-)

William Knapper (1802-) son of John & Martha, baptised on 24 April 1802 Audley, son of John & Martha.
 married Eliza Rhead (1803-) 3 May 1825 ... married 23 Jan 1825 Audley    
William & Eliza children - ??

3 Thomas (1768-) son of William & Mary, baptised 1 May 1768 Audley,
married Hannah Lilley (-) 3 Oct 1796 Audley

4 Isaac (1770-1833) baptised 30 Sept 1770 Audley   
married Elizabeth Pickerill (-) 23 July 1792 Burslem

5 Mary (1773-) Daughter of William & Mary, baptised 25 Dec 1773 Audley,
married James Chadwick (-) 22 Dec 1799 Audley

-------------------

... a problem misfit ... our common ancestor with our DNA match 'kaths21'  

 Charles Knapper (1774-1841) ... problem a misfit ... no baptism in Audley? But there was a telling gap between Mary 1773 and Samuel 1777 ... ?? ... baptised 3 Feb 1774 Newchapel ... (421579) ... and again baptised son of William & Mary, 13 Feb 1774 Newchapel   
married Mary Napper (1775-) 6 April 1795 Wolstanton ... (1517617) ... a cousin?
Charles & Mary had 10 / 11? children all from Talke, Newchapel, Wolstanton, Kidsgrove & Goldenhill in Staffordshire ... but this production was hardly surprising, it ran in the family! -

1841 census - at Goldenhill, Wolstanton, Tunstall, Charles Knapper (-) Collier aged 70 with Mary (-) aged 65 and kids - William (1801-) 40, George (1802-) 35, James (1821-) 20, Joseph (1821-) 20, Eliza (-) 12 ... Barbara, Levi, Maria ... all married ... where were the twins Mary & Sarah? ... and no Charles (1797-1879) ... Charles had married another Mary in 1817 and had a family of his own ...   

1841 census - Charles (1797-1879) was in Kidsgrove, Wolstanton with the family - Charles (1797-) 45, Mary (1796-) 45, Charles (1811-) 30, William (1826-) 15, Sarah (1826-) 15, Elizabeth (1832-) 9, Mary Ann (1835-) 6, James (1838-) 3, Joseph (1841-) 0 ... (two doors away in Kidsgrove were more Knappers - Francis (-) 65, Joseph (1801-) 40, George (1826-) 15, William (1829-) 12) ...

Charles & Mary had 10 / 11 children -

Charles Knapper1 Charles (1797-1879) son of Charles & Mary, baptised on 17 Sept 1797 Audley,
married Mary Walton (1799-1879) 13 Oct 1817 Wolstanton ... witnesses Joseph Knapper & John Halsall ... and another 10 more or less ... Knappers !

Charles & Mary had childeren -

- 1. James Knapper (1817-) 

- 2. Hannah Knapper (1818-) 

- 3. Charles Knapper (1821-) son of ? baptised ?
married Elizabeth Gibson (1820-) 2 March 1857 Burslem ... (1470941) ... Charles aged 31 ? Children too old ?
Children - Mary Ann (1846-), Hannah (1849-) and Jane (1851-)

- 4. Sarah Knapper (1823-) or Sarah Knapper (1826-)

- 5. William Knapper (1831-) ... was this Kerry Knapper's g g grandad? who ...
married Ellen Wilkinson (-) Bucknall Cum Bagnall 5 Aug 1850 ... (1278909) ... William was 23, the marriage certificate does not carry the names of fathers nor their occupations.
died 17 Sept 1893 Wolstanton, Burslem aged 62 Collier @ 57 Chapel Lane ... present, son William of 39 Sneyd Street 

or was this the one ??

 William Knapper (1826-90) son of Charles & Mary, baptised 3 Sept 1826 Newchapel ... (435815) ... 
married Sarah Ann
died 27 Dec 1890 Kidsgrove ... Miner ... Sarah Ann relict   William Knapper (1831-93) son of Charles, baptised Golden Hill ??

- 6. Elizabeth Knapper (1832-)
- 7. Mary Ann Knapper (1835-71) baptised ??
married Henry Stanier (1834-) ... and down to son William Henry (1864-1911) married Mary Rimmer (1871-1907) to son Henry Stanier (1903-1964) married Ellen Hunt (1906-76)
... and our DNA match kaths21 Common Ancestor = Charles Knapper (1774-1841)
- 8. James Knapper (1838-)
- 9. Joseph Knapper (1841-) 
- 10. Thomas (1850-)
- 11. William (1853-) ...

1841 census - at Kidsgrove - Charles Knapper (-) age 45 Collier, Mary Knapper age 45, Charles Knapper (-) age 20, William Knapper (-) age 15, Sarah Knapper (-) age 15, Elizabeth Knapper (-) age 9, Mary Knapper (-) age 6, James Knapper (-) age 3, Joseph Knapper (1841) age 1 month ...

and on the same page - at Kidsgrove - Frances Knapper (-) age 65, Joseph (-) age 40 Collier, George (-) age 15, William (-) age 12 ...

1851 census - at Sneyd, Wolstanton, Burslem, Charles Knapper (1821-) age 29, wife Elizabeth (-) aged 31 from Hanley, Mary Ann Knapper (-) aged 5, Hannah Knapper (-) aged 2 and Jane Knapper (-) just 2 months ... plus brother William (1829-) aged 22  ... again 1851 census - helpfull 'cos it identified @ Burslem Charles (1821-) aged 29 who married Elizabeth (1820-) aged 31 and had a brother William (1829-) aged 22 and children  Mary Ann (1846-) aged 5, Hannah (1849-) aged 2 and Jane (1850-) aged 2 months ??


2 William Knapper (1801-)    

3 George Knapper (1802-77) son of Charles & Mary, baptised on 20 Aug 1802 Audley
married Hannah Taylor in 1823 ... witnesses ? Steele & John Halsall.
This was our lot ... George (1802-77) then son Daniel (1827-92) then daughter Mary Ann (1853-1928) our great gran Common Ancestor = Charles Knapper (1774-1841)

4 Barbara Knapper (1805-) Daughter of Charles & Mary, baptised 28 April 1805 Audley,
married Nathan Ball (-) in 1829 ... witnesses Thomas Cookson, Elijah ? & Hannah Ball.

5 Mary Knapper (1807-) twin Daughter of Charles & Mary, baptised 21 June 1807 Audley 

6 Sarah Knapper (1807-) twin Daughter of Charles & Mary, baptised 21 June 1807 Audley  

7 Levi Knapper (1810-) son of Charles & Mary, baptised 12 Aug 1810 Newchapel 
married Harriet Hancock, widow, in 1828 ... witnesses James ? & George Bier. Who was widow Harriet Hancock? In 1818 Harriet Baker (1801-1870) married Joseph Hancock! 

Levi & Harriet Baker had a son Samuel Knapper (1832-1905) who was baptised 13 April 1832 at Wolstanton, Wesleyan non conformist, son of Levi, Collier, & Harriet Baker, Daughter of John & Sarah Baker. Samuel was with the family in the 1841 census?  Samuel (1832-) married Edna Lees (1830-92) they had THIRTEEN children including Joseph Knapper (1874-1920). Joseph married Mary Jane Foster (1875-1953) they had SEVENTEEN children ... oh my!

So who was Samuel Knapper (1833-) who was with Aunt Maria in 1841 census? 

8 Maria Knapper (1813-) Daughter of Charles & Mary, baptised 25 April 1813 in Newchapel 
married Isaac Hall (1813-49) 19 Sept 1835 Wolstanton, Collier ... witnesses were elder brother Levi Knapper & cousin Barbara Handcock, Daughter of Aunt Barbara (1786-1858).
Isaac died 10 Oct 1849 Shelton, Staffs, aged 36 ... Shelton to Wolstanton 3 miles ...  
Maria & Isaac had children -

- Samuel Knapper Hall (1833-) 1st, son of Samuel Filders ? & Maria, not Isaac's son ... Coal Miner, blind ...
married Mary Ann Child (-)  30 July 1855 Stoke-on-Trent ...

Samuel & Mary Ann had ? children -

---- Samuel Knapper Hall (1861-1916) 2nd,

---- Eliza (1865-)  

---- Mary Ann (1867-)

---- Rosanna (1869-)   

---- Thomas Henry Hall (1870-)

- Mary Hall (1836-) 

- Joseph Hall (1838-)

- Eliza Hall (1840-)

- Eleanor Hall (1841-) Emma?  

- Emma Hall (1842-) Eleanor? 

- Isaac Hall (1843-)  

- Thomas Hall (1846-) ...
1841 census - revealed, Maria Knapper (1815-) and Isaac Hall (1816-) were living at Gater's Bank, Windmill Row, Tunstall, Wolstanton with 3 children Mary Hall (1836-), Joseph Hall (1838-) & Eliza (1840-).

However also in the family home was Maria's son, 8 year old Samuel Knapper (1833-) born in 1833, two years before Maria's marriage to Isaac Hall. (it didn't look like this Samuel (1833-) was the son of elder brother Levi (1810-) & Harriet Hancock (-), this other Samuel (1832-) was elsewhere in the 1841 census with his mum Harriet & dad Levi)?
... and there was another Knapper ... 15 year old Daniel Knapper who had no baptism record? See 'in search of Daniel Knapper' below ...
1851 census - confrimed the family at Shelton, Maria now a widow, Isaac died in 1849, with Maria Hall 36, Samuel 18, Mary Hall 14, Joseph Hall 13, Eliza Hall 11, Emma Hall 9, Isaac Hall 7, Thomas Hall 5 ... no Eleanor?

9 Sylvanous Knapper (1817-8)

10 James Knapper (1821-) 

11 Joseph Knapper (1824-87) son of Charles, baptised 1824 ...
married Sarah Plant (1826-) 12 Jan 1847 Audley ... original ...  Joseph Collier aged 23, Sarah (1826-) Spinster aged 21 ... both living at Halmer End, Audley ... father Charles Knapper Collier, William Plant Collier ... witnesses Catherine Plant and Samuel Alditch ?
and probates in 1903 -- Joseph Knapper 13 Sept 1886 Talk o' th' Hill, Mary Evenson widow --  John Knapper 9 Aug 1876 Burslem, Martha Windsor -- David Knapper 19 Feb 1889 Audley, Joseph Knapper labourer ????????

-------------------

6 Samuel (1777-90) son of William & Mary, baptised 23 March 1777 Audley ... Samuel died 1790 in Audley aged 13.

7 James (1780-1844) son of William & Mary, baptised 7 Feb 1780 Audley  
married Jane Nixon (1783-) in 1803.

James & Jane had children -

William (1804-74)   
married ?  

William & ? had children -

- Sarah Alice Knapper (1842-)
married Jabez Blackhurst (1843-)   

Elizabeth (1806-),

Mary (1808-),

Ellen (1810-),

Hannah (1815-),

Ann (1817-),

James (1818-1900),

Joseph (1821-80) son of James & Jane, baptised 1 April 1821 Audley    
married ?
- Levi Knapper (1849-) baptised Audley
married Mary Ann Creber (-) 1868 Newchapel

- Frederick Knapper (1856-) baptised Audley

John (1823 & 27) ?

8 George Knapper (1782-1844) son of William & Mary, baptised 17 March 1782 Audley 
married Sarah Gater (1786-1854) in 1805. And the Banns on the same page as younger sister Barbara!
Children -

- William Knapper (1807-)  

- Mary Knapper (1809-)  

- Babara Knapper (1811-)   

- George Knapper (1815-78) 

- Sarah Knapper (1822-58) 

- Samuel Knapper (1822/4-1904) son of George, baptised ??
married Mary Bromley (1830-54) 30 Dec 1844 Burslem ... both minors ... Samuel, son of George, Mary, Daughter of John, both Colliers ... 
married Frances Sherratt (1834-1907) 21 July 1856 Goldenhill  ... son William was born in 1864 -

William Knapper (1864-1935) son of Samuel & Frances, baptised 17 Feb 1864 Goldenhill
married Margaret Jane Fox (1861-90) 6 June 1886 ... at only 29 Margaret died in 1890 and William then married widow Mary Gallimore ...
married Mary Gallimore neé Rigby (1868-1950) 21 June 1891
died 8 May 1935 Goldenhill

1911 census - at 13 Albert Street, Goldenhill, Staffs - William & Mary - 10 kids, 9 alive 1 died -

- Suzanna Gallimore (1890-) aged 20 ... Potter ... baptised     

- Charles William Knapper (1893-1916) aged 18 ... Coal Miner ... baptised 7 March 1893, born 11 Feb 1893 Tunstall ...  
died 22 Oct 1916 Flanders

- Arthur Henry Knapper (1894-) aged 16 ... Waggoner ... baptised     
married Rebecca Nixon (1893-) ...

- Daisy Ann Knapper (1897-1964) aged 13 ... Potter Printer Press Assistant ... baptised  
married Peter Hancock (-)   

- Samuel Knapper (1899-1961) aged 11 baptised    
married Ann Knapper (-) 

- Annie Knapper (1902-77) aged 8 baptised     
married Willian Knapper (1881-)

- William Knapper (1904-11) aged 6 baptised     

- Mary Knapper (1907-1969) aged 4 baptised     
married Peter James McAll (-)

- Joseph Knapper (1911-) aged 3 months baptised     

- Joseph Knapper (1913-69)

married Mary Turner (-)

- May Knapper (1913-79)
married Harry Gilbert (-)

- William Knapper (1828-90) 

- Charles Knapper (1929-)

9 Harvey (1784-1810) no children? Harvey died 2 Nov 1810 in Audley, son of William & Mary ... aged 26.

10 Barbara (1786-1858) baptised 27 Aug 1786 in Audley, son of William & Mary, married Joshua Hancock (-) 5 May 1805 in Audley ... aged 19. And the Banns. Barbara Handcock (1816-55) was a witness at Maria's wedding. Barbara Handcock (1816-55) baptised 15 Sept 1816 in Church Lawton, Daughter of Joshua & Barbara.
(or married William Hancock (1786-1854) 14 March 1831 in Audley ... aged 45 no ??)

Not much room for Daniel in this lot!!
Joseph son of George, married Maria Brundick ... ??? Daniels elder brother!!??
Joseph (1817-) son of Joseph & Sarah, baptised   ... who was this one?

In search of Daniel Knapper (1826-92)  

Daniel Knapper has proved more difficult to nail. Phil Walton has outlined the position.

Lodging HouseMaria Knapper (1815-) baptised 25 April 1813 in Newchapel, Daughter of Charles & Mary, married Isaac Hall 19 Sept 1835 at St Margaret's Church, Wolstanton. Isaac Hall bachelor, collier & Maria Knapper spinster. Witnesses were Maria's elder brother Levi Knapper & cousin Barbara Handcock.

Samuel Knapper Hall (1833-) has been identified in some detail by Keith Hackney. Samuel Knapper Hall (1833-) aged 8 from the 1841 census was Keith's g-g-grandfather and the son of Isaac Hall & Maria Knapper. The Halls ran Lodging House at Nos 103 to 111 Union Street, Hanley ... Keith has a splendid photo of Samuel Knapper Hall's son & grandson.

Daniel Knapper (1826-92) was a mystery ... we have to work out the relationship between Maria and Daniel ... for sure Daniel was too old to be the son of Maria, aged 11 when Daniel was born. Nor the son of siblings Joseph aged 5 when Daniel was born ... or Levi aged 15 when Daniel was born ... but twins Sarah aged 19 and Mary aged 19 when Daniel was born ... were both maternal candidates ... as was Barbara aged 21 when Daniel was born?

Or was Daniel a cousin from one of Maria's two eldest brothers, Sons of Charles Knapper (1774-1841) & Mary? Possibilities were -

- Charles Knapper (1797-) was aged 29 when Daniel was born?

- George Knapper (1802-) was aged 24 when Daniel was born?  

Herbert Knapper 1920Who was Herbert Knapper (1858-1920) who died 13 June 1920 Burslem?

Thanks to research by Kerry we know much about this Knapper branch in fascinating detail.

Was the father of Kerry's great great grandad William Knapper (1831-93) 'a problem misfit ... our common ancestor with 'kaths21' our DNA match'? Charles Knapper (1774-1841) ... with no baptism in Audley? ... son of William & Mary baptised 3 Feb 1774 Newchapel ... (421579) ... and again son of William & Mary, baptised 13 Feb 1774 Newchapel?   
married Mary Napper (1775-) 6 April 1795 Wolstanton ... a cousin?
Charles & Mary had 10 / 11? children all from Talke, Newchapel, Wolstanton, Kidsgrove & Goldenhill in Staffordshire ... but this production was hardly surprising, it ran in the family!

Two Williams =

1. William Knapper (1830-94) son of George & Sarah, baptised

2. William Knapper (1831-93) son of Charles & Mary, baptised Golden Hill ? AWOL ?
married Ellen Wilkinson (-) Bucknall Cum Bagnall 5 Aug 1850 ... (1278909) ... William was 23, the marriage certificate does not carry the names of fathers nor their occupations.
died 17 Sept 1893 Wolstanton, Burslem aged 62 Collier @ 57 Chapel Lane ... present, son William of 39 Sneyd Street 

1881 census - @ 65 Chapel Lane, Sneyd, Burslem, William (1830-) aged 51 Coal Miner from Kidsgrove, Ellen (1830-) aged 51 from Fenton, with Herbert (1858-) aged 23 born Burslem, Coal Miner, George (1862-) aged 19, Potter, Henry (1867-) aged 14, Potter's Packer, John (1869-) aged 12, Potter Whipping House Boy ...

Herbert & ElizaWilliam & Ellen had children -

Eliza Knapper (1851-) baptised
married Enoch Plant (-) Earthenware Manufacturer 18 Feb 1871 Burslem ... Enoch son of Ralph ... Enoch's story ... 
died 16 April 1901 Burslem
children - 1881 William (-), James (-), Eliza (-), Ann (-), Delicia (-), Rosa (-) ... 1891 4 more ...

William Knapper (1855-)  
married Emily Turner (-) 13 Feb 1881
children - 1891 they had 4 children ... 1901 they had 9 children  
Daughter Frances (-) named after William's grandma?

Thomas Knapper (1857-) 
married Sarah Heath (-) 24 March 1878 Burslem ...
children - 1901 @ Silvester Street 8 children 7 boys and 1 girl. Thomas (-), John (-), William (-), Edward (-), Harriet (-), Enoch (-), Herbert (-), Arthur (1896-1918)

 Knapper (-) grandfather

- Knapper (-) father of Eddie Knapper

Herbert Knapper (1858-1920) son of William, baptised 8 Oct 1858
married Eliza Beech (1860-1942) 19 June 1881 Burslem ... (1278929) ... Herbert aged 23, Eliza 21 ... Eliza, Daughter of William, Publican ... died 29th June 1942 
Herbert died 13 June 1920 Badderly Edge ... probate ...

1912 Kellys Directory of Burslem Herbert Knapper shopkeeper 229 Newcastle Street, Burslem ...

Eliza Knapper (1860-)

George Knapper (1862-99)

Henry Knapper (1866-)
married Elizabeth Ann Gould (1869-) 16 Aug 1898 Christ Church Cobridge. She was 29 and he was 32. Bride’s father was William Gould (-).

John Knapper (1869-)

Knappers LlandudnoHerbert & Eliza had children -

William Knapper (1876-77) died 30 July 1877 aged only 1 year 5 months

Mary Ellen (1882-)

Herbert I (1884-~1945) son of Herbert, baptised
married Ellen??
- son Harold Knapper (-) father of Leon Knerry Knapper
- daughter Louie Knapper (-)
- daughter (in law?) Hilda Knapper (-)

Ada (1890-)

Harry (1894-)  

Enos (1898-)

George Knapper (1862-) 

Henry Knapper (1867-) 

John Knapper (1869-) 

 

 

 

 

George KnapperGeorge Knapper (1802-) was baptised on 5 Sept 1802 in Audley, son of Charles & Mary.

In 1823 George married Hannah Taylor (1802-) in Wolstanton. Hannah baptised 2 Feb 1802 Daughter of Jane, in Hanley. 

Witnesses at the wedding were ?? Steele and John Halsall.

(Birth date 20 Aug 1802. Baptism 05 Sep 1802 at Audley, St James. Father's name Charles. Mother's name Mary.
Marriage date 25 Apr 1823 at St Margaret Denomination Anglican Residence Wolstanton. Spouse name Hannah Taylor of Wolstanton, Staffordshire.)

George & Hannah Taylor's children were -

Eady (1827-) baptised 15 July 1827 in Newchapel

Eliza (1827-) baptised 15 July 1827 in Newchapel

Eliza (1829-) baptised 3 May 1829 in Newchapel

In the 1841 census census George, 35, was in Golden Hill with dad, Charles Napper (1771-) aged 70 & mum, Mary Napper (1776-) aged 65, and the family - William Napper (1801-) 40, George Napper (1806-) 35, James Napper (1821-) 20, Joseph Napper (1821-) 20, Eliza Napper (1829-) 12.

Where were Hannah and Eady?

George Knapper died in 18??.  

George & Hannah Taylor were more of a mystery ...

Granddad Charles and g-granddad William were easier to fathom ... 

Charles NapperCharles Knapper (1774-) son of William & Mary, baptised 13 Feb 1774 Newchapel
married Mary Napper (-) on 6 April 1795 in Wolstanton. Witnesses at the wedding were John Gater and John Halsall. (Charles' younger brother married Sarah Gater)

Charles and Mary Napper's children were -

William (1801-)

George (1806-)

James (1821-)

Joseph (1821-)

James (1821-) 

Eliza (1829-)  

In the 1841 census Charles was in Golden Hill, Oldcott, Tunstall with the family - Charles Napper (1771-) 70, Mary Napper (1776-) 65, William Napper (1801-) 40, George Napper (1806-) 35, James Napper (1821-) 20, Joseph Napper (1821-) 20, Eliza Napper (1829-) 12.

George Knapper (1782-) son of William & Mary, baptised 17 March 1782 Audley
married Sarah Gater (-) 1805.

 

Daniel Knapper (1826-92) married Eliza Jenkins (1828-95) at Christchurch, Tunstall on the 29 July 1850. Daniel 23, Puddler, from Tunstall, Eliza 22, spinster from Kidsgrove, Brieryhurst, Daughter of Thomas, Miner. Daniel's father's name was not recorded and there was no baptism record. Why?

The witnesses were James Henry (-) and Hannah Henry (-)?

Daniel & Eliza had three children ... registered but with no baptism records? -

Mary Ann Knapper (1852-1928) born in 1852 in Wolstanton, married Edward Birchall (1854-1903) 29 April 1873 at Christ Church, Wheelock, Sandbach, Congleton, the daughter of Daniel Knapper (1826-92), Forge Man, and Eliza Jenkins (1828-95).

The witnesses were Mary Ann's brother George Knapper (1854-1922)? and Sarah Baker?
George Knapper (1854-1922), named after his grand father? A clue perhaps that Daniel's dad was George?

George Knapper (1854-1922) born in 1854 in Wolstantom married Sarah Harriet Davies (-), Daughter of Herbert Davies of Sandbach, in Wheelock 6 August 1876. Witnesses were Edward Birchall and Elizabeth Bailey? George was an 'Engineer' and Daniel a 'Forge Man'.

Elizabeth Knapper (1857-) born in 1857 in Wolstanton married Henry Steele (1857-), son of George Steel, in Coppenhall, Crewe on 28 Feb 1875. Witnesses were John Thorley and Emily Thorley?

 

Daniel Knapper (1826-92) records his birth place in the census as Wolstanton & Kidsgrove -

In 1841 Daniel was with Aunt Maria and the Hall family in Wolstanton

1851 census Daniel aged 24, was living with wife Eliza (1828-95) in Wolstanton as lodgers with John & Mary Cullwood. Born in Wedenbury. His occupation was a 'forge man puddler'. This confirms some family gossip from Harry Knapper. Harry wrote that his g-grandfather was Daniel who lived for sometime in Wheelock. Daniel's son George married Sarah Harriot Davies in 1878 the Davies' were an influential Sandbach family owning many Public Houses, one of Harriot's sisters married a Foden and Harry's father was cousin to the 'Foden boys'. Harry had been told by his long deceased relatives that Daniel Knapper was a specialist Forgeman who moved around due to his specialist work. He eventually settled in Wheelock and worked for the railway company earning a large salary of £20 per week and lived in a fine and large house?

1861 Daniel, listed as 'Nappier', was living in Tipton aged 33, Puddler of Iron, as a lodger born Kidsgrove in the Staffordshire Potteries.

1861 census wife Eliza living in Brieryhust, Kidsgrove - Eliza aged 31, born in Tipton with children Mary Ann (1853-) aged 8, born in Kidsgrove, George (1854-) aged 7 and Elizabeth (1857-) aged 6 both born in Sedgeley.

1871 Daniel was living at 16 Wheelock Street, Wheelock, Congleton.  Father Daniel (1827-92) aged 44, Puddler Iron Works, born Kidsgrove. Mother Eliza Jenkins (1828-95) aged 43 was born in Tipton. Mary Ann (1853-1928) aged 18, Silk Winder, was born in Kidsgrove. Brother George (1854-1922) aged 17, Forgeman Iron Works, born in Sedgley and sister Elizabeth (-) aged 17, Silk Winder, was also born in Sedgley.

1881 Daniel was living in High Road, Wheelock with his son in law Henry Steele (1857-) aged 24, and daughter Elizabeth Steele (1855-) aged 26 and three grandchildren Emily 3, Clara 2 & Annie Eliza 1. Also with them was an Aunt to Henry or Elizabeth called Fanny Duurell or Daneil? Age 59. But no Eliza.

Eliza was also in High Road, Wheelock with her other daughter Mary Ann.
Edward Birchall (1854-1903) aged 26, Joiner, Mary Ann (1853-1928) aged 27 wife, children George 6, John 4, Edward 3, Harry 2months, Eliza Knapper (-) aged 49 mother in law. And Nurse Midwife (born Stafford LeaBrook)

In 1881 Daniel was living in High Road, Wheelock with his son in law Henry Steele (24) and daughter Elizabeth Steele (26) and three grandchildren Emily 3, Clara 2 & Annie Eliza 1 also with them was an Aunt (to Henry or Elizabeth) called Fanny Daneill, age 59.

Eliza was also in High Road Wheelock in 1881, with her other daughter. Mary Ann (1853-) married Edward Birchall (1854-1903), age 26, a joiner in 1873. Mary Ann they had 3 children George (1875-1960), age 6, John (1877-), age 4, Edward (1878-), age 3 & Harry (1881-) age 2 months. Eliza Knapper, mother in law, 49, was a nurse/midwife.

1891 Daniel, Forge Labourer, was living in Wheelock age 66 with Eliza 61 .

Daniel Knapper (1826-92) labourer, died on 5 June 1892 in Wheelock age 66. He died from an epileptic fit occurring on 29 May 1892

Eliza (1854-1895) died on 23 March 1895 in Cotton Row, Wheelock age 62. She died from Paralysis Diarrhea. Alice Steel was present at the death probably her granddaughter?

 

 

Harry Knapper's cousin, Frank Knapper, confirmed his paternal grandfather was called George Knapper (1854-) who was the son of Daniel. Daniel was a metallurgist who came to Crewe to specialise in steels for railway engine tyres. He was comparatively wealthy and lived in a large house in Wheelock. He was married in Wheelock church.

Frank wrote in 2002, 'I think that I may be related to Christopher Knapper. I believe that his father Harold was my cousin. I had better tell you something about myself. I was born in Swansea in 1931, and have a sister Barbara who lives in Epping. My father married my mother Violet Mary Jones in 1926. I am a chartered engineer (retired) having graduated in mechanical engineering from University College, Swansea in 1954. I have spent most of my working life with the chemical company ICI. I was married in 1955 to Nan Day. We live at 37 Oakdale, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 2LW, and have 3 children. Simon Robert Knapper who lives in Croydon, Ceri Jane Walker who lives in Switzerland and Ian Dennis Knapper who also lives in Harrogate. Ian is married to Sarah and has 2 boys Jack aged 6 and Sam aged 3.
Are you aware of the Burkes Peerage World Book of Knappers, which lists Knappers living in 1995 throughout the world. You can obtain a copy from -
BURKES PEERAGE
c/o Customer Service Centre
Marlborough Rd
Aldbourne
Marlborough
Wilts
SN8 2HP.
We even have a coat of arms'!

Wolstanton St Margaret - Pirehill Hundred, Wolstanton & Burslem Union - chapelry Newchapel - towns - Branscliff,  Brieryhurst, Chatterley, Chesterton, Dales Green, Golden Hill, Great Chell, Greenfield, Harrisea Head, Kidsgrove, Knutton, Little Chell, Oldcott, Ranscliff, Red Street, Sandyford, Stadmoreslow, Thursfield, Tunstall, Wainlee and Wedgwood.
Audley St James - Pirehill Hundred, Newcastle-under-Lyme Union. Another church Talk-o'-th'-Hill - towns - Audley, Bignall End, Halmer End, Knowle End, Park End, Eardley End and Talke.
Adjoining the ancient parishes - Barthomley and Church Lawton in Cheshire, and Wolstanton, Keele, Madeley and Betley in Staffordshire.

 

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