My Genealogy Hound

JACOB H. KNAUS, attorney-at-law of Knobnoster, has gained an enviable reputation for his legal ability, good judgment and sound integrity. During the years in which he has practiced before the Bar of Missouri, he has become eminent as a counselor, and has acquired more than a local renown on account of his scholarly attainments, his thorough knowledge of the law, and his devotion to the interests of his clients.

Mr. Knaus is a native of this county, and was born in Washington Township, October 23, 1845. He was the third in order of birth in the family of six comprised in the household of Jacob and Sophia (Prigmore) Knaus. The father was a native of Mason County, Ky., his birth occurring October 27, 1810. His parents were in turn Pennsylvanians, in which state they were married in 1791. Soon after this event they removed to Kentucky, later to Ohio, and about 1817 we find them living in this state, residents of Howard County. There the grandmother of our subject died. Her son, Jacob, Sr., lived in that section for a year, when he came to Knobnoster, Johnson County, where he still makes his home. When quite young in years he learned the trade of a blacksmith, and when twenty-two years of age established a home of his own and was married to Miss Catherine Maxwell. She survived her marriage two years, dying in October, 1834, after becoming the mother of one child, John.

Jacob Knaus and Miss Sophia Prigmore were married in Pettis County, this state, in 1839, and the sons and daughters born to them were named, respectively, Benjamin P., Mary C., Jacob H., William C., Walter Y., George W. and Joseph. The latter died in infancy. The father of this family was at one time appointed by the County Court Magistrate of Washington Township, holding the office a short time. In 1840 he was elected Sheriff, and so acceptably did he fulfill the duties of the office that he was retained for two terms, or eight years. In the general election of 1848 he was chosen one of the County Justices, and for four years held the office. He is still living, having attained the venerable age of eighty-five years. During his early years he was active and public-spirited, always faithful to the interests of his community.

Jacob H., of this sketch, attended the district schools in his boyhood days and when old enough aided in the work of carrying on the home farm. On attaining his majority he began the struggle of life for himself, choosing the vocation of a farmer, which he followed until his removal to Knobnoster, to discharge his duties as Justice of the Peace, to which office he was elected in 1876. Soon after locating in this place he began the study of law, and in 1878 was admitted to the Bar. As an attorney he has not his superior in this section and is meeting with the success which his devotion to his profession merits.

Jacob H. Knaus and Miss Lydia Wampler were married April 7, 1867. The lady was the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Stoner) Wampler, natives of Ohio, where Mrs. Knaus was born in 1851. To them has been born a son, Henry Vernon, who is at present the efficient Mayor of Knobnoster. It had always been his ambition and desire to follow in the footsteps of his honored father, and in February, 1895, he was admitted to the Bar, being well fitted by nature for the legal profession. Our subject has likewise occupied the honored office of Mayor of this city, and for many years has been prominent in its political and social life. He is at all times and under all conditions a Democrat and one of the influential members of his party in Johnson County. He is widely known throughout the surrounding country, his practice often calling him far beyond the limits of the county.

Henry Vernon Knaus was married, in 1891, to Miss Lillie, daughter of John and Clarinda (Wells) Guihen, the latter of whom comes of an old and prominent family of this state. Mr. Knaus is active in the order of Knights of Pythias, and, like his father, is a Democrat politically. His wife belongs to the Catholic Church. Mrs. Jacob H. Knaus departed this life in 1885, greatly mourned by all who knew her.