John R. Knoles (Knowles)

JOHN R. KNOLES. Jefferson County is the home of quite a number of men who were early thrown upon their own resources and whose natural aptness and energy were developed and strengthened by contact with the world, resulting in making their lives more than ordinarily successful and winning respect. Among this number is John R. Knoles, who is at present residing on section 26, Elk Prairie Township, where he is engaged in farming, and where for the past ten years he has dealt quite largely in the lumber business.

Our subject is a native of Indiana and was born in Gibson County, April 13, 1834. He is the youngest but one in the family of Edward and Nancy (Fitzpatrick) Knoles, both of whom were natives of Georgia. The parents came north in 1812, and located in Indiana when that state was still a territory and thus ranked among the very earliest settlers of Gibson County.

John R. attended the district school near his home and up to the age of twenty-two years worked on the farm. When leaving the parental roof he engaged in farming for himself, following this for three years, when he engaged in mercantile business. Two years later, however, he disposed of his interests in the store and for some time thereafter was employed in teaching school.

Later Mr. Knoles returned to his farm and continued to cultivate the soil thereon until the year 1859, when he moved to Perry County, Ind., and after a residence there of one year crossed the line into Illinois and located in Jefferson County, which has since been his home with the exception of six years spent in Hamilton County, this state. He has been variously engaged since coming here and for a number of years conducted a good trade in the mercantile and milling business. Now, however, he gives his undivided attention to his farm and timber enterprise.

Miss Esther, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Ray) Fitzgerald, became the wife of our subject in 1858. Her parents were natives of Posey County, Ind. Three children have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Knoles, all daughters, who are now married and established in homes of their own.

1. Elizabeth, the eldest, is the wife of Jacob Huffman, and resides in Spring Garden Township, this county;
2. Rosa married Joseph Dodd and is living in Elk Prairie Township, which is also the home of
3. Sarah Elzine, who first married George Cromeans, but on his decease became the wife of Oscar Dare.

Socially Mr. Knoles is a prominent Odd Fellow, holding membership with Dahlgreen Lodge No. 481. He has held all the chairs in that order and is at present Past Grand.

He is an ardent Democrat in politics and true at all times to the interests of his party. He has served as Township Supervisor and Tax Collector, and as a man of influence in this section did good work in the interests of his township.

"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Published by Chapman Publishing Company of Chicago in 1894
Page 412
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer

Note from Sandy:
His Findagrave memorial shows the spelling as Knowles and his marriage also has his surname spelled that way. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/80815113/john-romilia-knowles