OBIT: John Henry KNEPPER, Rev., 1915, formerly of Somerset County, PA File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library. Transcribed and proofread by: Keith Petenbrink. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/ _________________________________________ Knepper, John H. While on his knees in the attitude of prayer, at his home in Altoona, Rev. John H. Knepper until recently pastor of the First Progressive Brethren Church in that city was found dead, Friday morning by his daughter, Miss Edna Knepper. Although the minister had been in failing health for the past six months, the physician pronounced death due to leakage of the heart, and the end had probably come only a short time before the body was found. John Henry Knepper was at Berlin, Somerset County, Oct. 13, 1849, being past 65 years of age. He was the second son of Solomon and Eva Knepper. He secured his education in the public schools and for a time taught school. For a number of years he was employed on the railroad. It was not until he was about 30 years of age that he took up the ministry which began at Berlin, where he had charge of six churches in that vicinity. He was there eleven years. Mr. Knepper then took charge of the Meyersdale Progressive Church of the Brethren and a couple of other adjoining places. Later he preached at points in Illinois and Ohio. He went to Altoona in May 1911, to be pastor of the First Brethren Church, serving until ill health caused his resignation last April. He was held in high esteem by his ministerial brethren as well as by the laity. Early in life he was married to Emma Brubaker who preceded him to the grave in January 1912, after the family had moved to Altoona. Surviving are two daughters, Miss Edna, at home, who is just recovering from an operation, and Mrs. Clarence Summersgill, Homestead, and one son, Harry B. Knepper, of Johnstown, who with his wife was in Meyersdale when his father's death occurred. Meyersdale Commercial, Aug. 19, 1915