Sebastian Heinrich Knauss (1714-1777)

Our departed brother Sebastian H. Knauss was born October 6th, 1714 in the village Titelsheim, Wetteravia, (Wetterau) Germany and was baptized the following week.

Ludwig Knauss was his father, and his mother’s maiden name was Anna Margaretha Goerlach (Goerlachin).

His parents brought him up as a member of theReformed Church. He came to this country in the year 1723. In his early manhood he learned the trade of wheelwright (wagoner).

In 1741, on the first of January, he married the maiden AnnaCatherine Transue. From this most happy wedlock there survive him thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. Furthermore, he was permitted to see twenty grandchildren.

With reference to his connection with the Moravian Church, in which he has been for so many years a worthy and beloved member, the following may be said:  While he was learning his trade in the employ of our dear Brother Henry Antes, he at the same time was benefited so much spiritually that he was led to meditate deeply about the condition of his soul. Fearing that all was not well, he began to meditate, and his soul was filled with restlessness and anguish.

In the meantime, his marriage took place, in 1742. Together with his wife, he visited Bethlehem – their visit was the occasion of a new spiritual experience. At the organization of this little congregation, (Emmaus) in 1747, he became a member of the same. Prior to this time he already had belonged to the denomination (in Bethlehem). He also had the good fortune and the joy of serving the newly started work of the Lord in this neighborhood as a steward, besides furthering the good cause energetically in every possible way; yes, his cheerfulness and readiness were an inspiration to others.

In this state of heart and mind, he did his duty as steward and Sacristan with faithfuhiess and punctuality through all these years, until his Creator’s hand relieved him from further duty.

As far as a eulogy is concerned, it is best to leave that to Him who said: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’

Our departed brother never desired to seem anything else before God, angels and men, than a sinner, to whom had been given the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus. His memory shall be blessed. We must admit that his departure is our sad loss. His dear wife has lost a loving husband, his children a true and exemplary father, and the local congregation a friend and a neighbor ever ready to help.

The cause of his, at this time, unexpected demise, was a cold which developed into inflammation of the chest, (pneumonia) and was so malignant that he clearly recognized it as the will of the Lord that this sickness should soon lead to the consummation of his election by grace through the wounds of Jesus. Thereupon he wisely set his house in order: commended his dear wife unto the everlasting Husband, blessed his children in a truly patriarchal manner, and then busied himself only with the one thing needful. The frequent singing of hymns was the joy of his heart.  Yes, amid pain and when the mind was wandering, the hearty singing of hymns revealed what filled his heart.

Under these circumstances, our Brother Knauss finished the course of his life, Feb. 26, 1777, aged 62 years, 5 months, and 3 weeks.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors.

He (Sebastian Heinrich Knauss) was of small stature, had auburn hair, was a good conversationalist, and good natured.

The children of the Institution often went to his home and received honey-bread (Honich-Schnitten).

Excerpt taken from History and Genealogy Of The Knauss Family In America,  Tracing Back The Records To Ludwig Knauss To the Year 1723 by James Owen Knauss.

History and Genealogy Of The Knauss Family In America,  Tracing Back The Records To Ludwig Knauss To the Year 1723

by James Owen Knauss and John Tilghman Knauss