The Knauss Homestead: A Revolutionary Journey Into Lehigh Valley History

Seven generations of The Knauss Homestead begin with Sebastian Knauss.

Born October 6, 1714, in Düdelsheim, Germany, Sebastian and his wife, Anna Catherine Transue, came to Pennsylvania in 1723 seeking religious freedom. A wheelwright by trade, Sebastian worked closely with Henry Antes before eventually making the journey north from Montgomery County to what would become Emmaus.

Sebastian’s son, Heinrich Knauss, built the Homestead for his father in the late 1700s. Heinrich lived only briefly to see the house completed and passed away in 1810, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, craftsmanship, and perseverance that would carry on for generations.

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We believe the structure of the Knauss Homestead began as a primitive log cabin, built in the early 1740s when the Knauss family traveled north from Whitemarsh in Montgomery County. Remnants of this original log structure are still visible today in the stairwell leading to the cellar, offering a rare physical connection to the Homestead’s earliest years.

Visit knausshomestead.org to learn more or make a donation 🔗

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Preserved since 1777, the Knauss Homestead relies on membership support to maintain the house, barn, and original features, ensuring the site’s history remains protected and accessible.

Whether you’re reconnecting or joining for the first time, there’s a membership level for everyone who believes in safeguarding local history for generations to come.

Membership levels range from $25-$50-$75 / YEAR.

🔗 Learn more and join us at knausshomestead.org/membership

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Mary Ellen Knauss carried the story of this home longer than anyone before her.

She moved into the Knauss Homestead at just eighteen years old in 1866 and lived within these walls for sixty nine years. Her passing in 1932 marked the end of seven generations of Knauss family ownership and closed a remarkable chapter in Emmaus history.

Through her lifetime, the Homestead witnessed changing seasons, traditions, and the steady rhythm of daily life. Preserving this house means honoring the people who called it home and ensuring their stories continue to be told.

Learn more and support preservation at knausshomestead.org 🔗

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Between 1889 and 1932, the Knauss Homestead was home to Herman S. Knauss (son of Heinrich Knauss III and Mary Anna Christ) and his wife, Mary Ellen Adrain, along with their children: Wilson E., James H., Ellen M., Howard N., Charles R., Sarah E., and George L. Knauss.

Herman’s sister, Caroline Knauss, lived with a physical disability following an accident and was recorded as an owner of the property during this time. The article depicted by @themorningcall was about her accident in 1894.

Learn more at knausshomestead.org 🔗

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