Knowlton, Otis Sheldon 1831 - 1908

KNOWLTON, MILLER

Posted By: Michael Kearney (email)
Date: 2/15/2013 at 18:51:43

The Clinton Herald Monday April 13, 1908 p 8 Saturday evening at 8 o’clock, at his home, 738 Sixth avenue, occurred the death of O.S. Knowlton, one of the oldest residents and pioneers of Clinton after an illness of about three months, due to the infirmities of old age. It had been known to the relatives and friends for some time that Mr. Knowlton dangerously ill and that on account of the advanced age of the patient the doctors in attendance had little or no hope of his recovery. Although his rugged constitution, built up and kept up by temperate habits and plain living for a while held out the hope of his ultimate recovery to those in attendance, death finally claimed his own, and in spite of all that tender nursing and medical skill could accomplish occurred as above stated. By the death of O.S. Knowlton Clinton loses one of her best and most beloved citizens. Always straightforward and scrupulously honest in all his dealings, he was naturally rewarded with no small measure of success in his business and it was truthfully said of him that he was able to hold the patronage as well as the friendship and esteem of every one who dealt with him. A kind and generous employer, he will be held in loving remembrance by everyone who worked for him, no less that by his many other friends and the relatives who now mourn his death. Otis Sheldon Knowlton was born at Wilburham, Mass., May 12, 1831, and was therefore 76 years and 11 months old at his death. He came west in 1853, first locating in Fulton, Ill., and later, in 1866, he moved to Clinton where he embarked in the furniture and undertaking business in company with the late J.P. Glatts under the firm name of Glatts & Knowlton. About 24 years later he bought his partner’s share of the business which by that time had outgrown the old quarters, and built the brick block at 215-219 Second street, where he then continued his business until September, 1903, when he sold out and retired from active service. In 1855 Mr. Knowlton was married to Miss Mary Miller while on a visit to his old New England home, returning shortly afterwards, with his bride to make their future home in the west. A long and happy period of married life was terminated when on September 7, 1907, Mrs. Knowlton preceded her husband to the land of eternal life. To them were born four children of which however only a son, Arthur Knowlton of Carroll, Iowa, lives to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father rendered doubly sad to him by the fact that only last week he had to bury his wife, who died suddenly at their home near Carroll, while he was in attendance at his father’s bedside. Besides the son mentioned above, there are also left to mourn eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Knowlton was as life-long and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and also a member of America Lodge I.O.O.F., of this city. Services will be held at the home 738 Sixth avenue, at 10:30 o’clock Tuesday morning, Rev. Evans of the First M.E. church officiating. Interment will be at Springdale.