HOWARD A. KNAUSS, son of George F. Knauss, was born at East Mactingle, Lehigh county, October 14, 1876. His education was obtained in the public schools in the neighbrohood of his home, which was limited, owing to the fact that he began work in early boyhood, being employed by farmers and in the iron ore mines, receiving thirty cents per day for a period of two years. Later at the age of thirteen, he accepted a clerkship in a store at East Macungie, after which he worked in the Macungie Furnace, then was engaged in office work, and subsequently learned telegraphy and chemistry, and was employed in the laboratory of the Crane Iron Works at Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, becoming chief chemist, continuing there for eight years. He was then appointed assistant superintendent and later superintendent of the same concern, holding this position for eight years. Afterwards he became superintendent of the Northern Iron Company's furnaces at Standish, Clinton County, New York, remaining seven months, and at the expiration of this period he became connected with the Empire Steel and Iron Company, of Reading, Pa. In 1909, he was appointed superintendent of the Reading Iron Company's furnace, which position he serves up to the present time. The concern employs 75 men.

In January, 1896, he was married to Addie S. Gery, daughter of Nathan S. and Elenora (Bastian) Gerv. Unto them are born the following children: Howard L.; and Eleanor A. The son, Howard, is a graduate in 1912 of Nazareth Hall, M. A., at Nazareth, Pa.; is now connected with the Reading Iron Company in the laboratory at Reading.

His social connections are with Porter Lodge, No. 287, F. & A. M.; Catasauqua Chapter. No. 278; Allen Commandery, No. 20, K. T.; Rajah Temple, A. A. O. N. N. S.; Catasauqua Lodge, No. 269, I. O. O. F.; Emmaus Encampment, No. 15, of Emaus; Continental Castle, No. 61, K. G. E.; Woodmen of the World, No. 250, of Catasauqua. Politically he is a stalwart Republican; has been the president of the town council of Catasauqua for two years. He and family worship in Grace Lutheran church, Macungie.