OSCAR PENROSE KNAUSS, a well known citizen of Macungie, was born at Emaus, Sept. 4, 1859, and in 1863 was taken to Macungie by his parents, where he acquired his education in the public schools. He has, however, broadened his knowledge by his identification with a calling tending to that effect. In early life he became reporter for various daily newspapers and became very acceptable in that line of activity. He learned the printing trade and has followed that so far all his life. He purchased the plant from his preceptor and in 1888 founded the Macungie Progress, a weekly paper which he edited and published for twenty-three years. His business engagements in this connection are more extensively noted under the chapter devoted to industries of Macungie borough, in this history.

He followed the religious faith of his fathers and is a member of the Emaus Moravian church. He was an active member of the Lehigh Valley Editorial Association as long as it existed, belonged to the State Editorial Association, and is now a member of the Lehigh County Historical Society, Continental Castle, No. 61, K. G. E., the Macungie Beneficial Association, Friendly Lodge, No. 85, and Macungie Encampment, I. O. O. F., the Macungie Fire Company and others, in all of which he has held offices of trust and honor. He is now registrar of Vital Statistics of Lower Macungie Township and Macungie borough. In national politics he votes for good Republicans that he may know of and in local affairs he supports the men, regardless of party affiliation, whom he believes are best qualified.

In 1880, Mr. Knauss was married to Sarah L., daughter of Christian and Sarah (Kidd) Kemmerer, of Hanover Township, this county. They had one son, Eugene, who died when eight years old.