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Henry Knauff, the present county treasurer of Miami County, was elected to that office not only on the score of good business qualifications for its management, but also because of his long residence and a public spirited citizenship he has always exhibited in everything connected with the life and welfare of his home county. Mr. Knauff has lived in Miami County since he was five years of age. He was born in Germany May 10, 1863, son of George and Anna C. (Kuhn) Knauff, and grandson of Nicholas Knauff. It was in 1868 that the Knauff family set out from their old home in Hesse Darmstadt, and they landed at Castle Garden on Independence Day, July 4, 1868. George Knauff located in Union Township of Miami County, and having come here with small means rented land until he could buy a farm of his own. This farm was the home of his son Henry until the latter came to Peru to take up his duties at the courthouse. George Knauff was born about 1830. His first wife died in 1871, and he then married Emily J. McDonald, who died in 1908. Henry Knauff received all his education in the Miami County schools, and except for his official career has always been a farmer. He improved the old homestead until it ranks as one of the best farms of Miami County. The first important office he held was as trustee of Union Township, to which he was elected in 1900. He served four years and two months, and later was township assessor. He and his family are Baptists, and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees. In 1882. in Union Township, Mr. Knauff married Rosanna Deeds. Her father, George Deeds, and her uncle, William Deeds, at one time owned the land upon which the Village of Deedsville is located, that name commemorating the family. Mr. and Mrs. Knauff have five children : Harry E., Charles R., Elsie, Henry Ray and Florence M.
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