Thomas Alan KNOWLES, 1840-1928

KNOWLES, LOCKHART, HOTCHKISS, STELL, BEATY, WORTHAM, STONE

Posted By: Volunteer-Betty Hootman
Date: 7/16/2012 at 21:19:43

Thomas Alan Knowles, son of Martin and Maniece Knowles, was born in Gilson county, Indiana, Jan. 16, 1840, and died at his home in Milton, Iowa, Oct. 15, 1928, aged 88 years, 8 months and 29 days.

On the 14th day of November, 1861, he was married to Miss Henrietta Lockhart. To this union were born 14 children, 6 of whom died in infancy, and one, Mrs. Kate Hotchkiss, two years ago.

He leaves to mourn his loss seven children, Mrs. Allie Stell, of Arcadia, Calif.; Halsey C. Knowles, of Boonville, Mo.; Dr. Jerome Knowles, of Newport News, Va.; Mrs. Estella Beaty, of Alhambra, Calif.; Mrs. Rella Wortham, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Claude Knowles, of Knoxville, Ia., and Thomas Knowles, of Milton. He also leaves 25 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, one great great grandson, one sister, and two half brothers, besides a host of other relatives and friends.

When the clouds of the civil war were rolling over the country, Mr. Knowles enlisted at Greenview, Ill., in the 114th Regiment of Illinois Infantry on the fourth of August, 1862, where served his country faithfully and energetically until the time of his discharge at Vicksburg, Miss., Aug. 3, 1865.

About 48 years ago Mr. Knowles moved with his family to Milton where he has since made his home, and his long residence here has given him a large acquaintance in the town and surrounding community. He was a charter member of the Presbyterian church, and a member of the K. of P. and Odd Fellows Lodges.

Mr. Knowles family was prominent in the early days of American Independence, his great grandfather being Thomas Stone, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and one time Governor of Maryland.

As a soldier and a citizen he knew service and sacrifice, and now is called upon to cease his suffering, and enter a life more useful and richer in things worth while.

The funeral was held from the home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Rayhill, burial in Milton Sunnyside cemetery. Six World War soldiers, Will Sell, R. G. Hagler, J. L. Scritchfield, Chas. Cecil, Ray Brewer and Waldo Atkins, acted al pall bearers.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Scrapbook A, page 427, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA