BENJAMIN F. KNAUSS is a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of Lehigh County, and is at present residing on one hundred and fifty acres of land located in South Whitehall Township. He was born in this county December 13, 1828, and is the son of Benjamin and Maria (Helfrich) Knauss, who were likewise born in Lehigh County.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, who bore the name of George, was also a native of this state, where he occupied a good place among its substantial residents. The father of our subject died when the latter was an infant of seven months, and he was therefore reared to mature years by his mother, who departed this life January 3, 1894.

Benjamin F., of this sketch, spent his days in the usual manner of lads of his time, and was reared on a farm, aiding in the labors of the field during the summer months, and attending the district school in the winter season, he has always followed farm pursuits, and has placed his estate under a high degree of cultivation. All the improvements have been placed there through his labors and stand as monuments to his handiwork.

Benjamin F. Knauss and Miss Sarah Steininger were united in marriage October 21, 1855. Mrs. Knauss, who was also born in this county, December 3, 1835, is the daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Kuntz) Steininger, farmers of this locality, where the former died in 1874. The parents reared a family of six children, of whom those living are: Anna, who is the wife of Charles Mohr; Mary; Sarah, Mrs. Knauss; Eliza, Mrs. William Koch; and Lucretia, the wife of Tilghman Gramms.

To Mr. and Mrs. Knauss has been born a family of four children: Elemanda, now Mrs. Edward Lichtenwalner; Tilghman G., Sarah Isabella and Frank P. The Republican Party finds in him a most stalwart supporter. With his wife he is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Allentown. An honorable and well-spent life has won for him high regard and gained for him many warm friends throughout the community. He has witnessed the growth of Allentown from a small town to its present large proportions, and is therefore justly numbered among the old settlers of this county.