The Knowles Story

William and Isabella Knowles Chapters

William's Years in Ireland

by Dave Jordan

William Knowles was born on December 27, 1848 in Kildrumferton, Cavan County Ireland. A few days later on December 31, 1848, he was baptized at St. Patrick's in Kildrumferton. His parents were William Knowles and his mother was Jane Wallace. His parents were married a year earlier and it appears they settled in or around her hometown of Duff Castle, Kildrumferton. William's grandfather on his father's side was also named William leading to three generations of William Knowles' living in close proximity and thus William later began using the name William Wallace Knowles. The middle name was his mother's maiden name. The family on the male side claimed Scottish origins and the name William Wallace was a connection to the famous Scot hero of 13th century, popularized in the movie Braveheart. If needed for clarity in the text, the three generations of William Knowles's are referred to as William Knowles I, William Knowles II, and Williams Knowles III.

William Wallace Knowles probably had a number of brothers and sisters, but only one is known at this time. Brother Robert was born in 1856 in Duff Castle, Kildrumferton.

Little is known of their early years, but their parents did own several pieces of property in the area. In the late 1860s, William was working and managing his father's farm.

As today, it was important for a young person to be involved in activities and establish a reputation as a good person and reliable worker. In those days, a church minister or landowner might write a testimonial letter, which the individual would keep and carry with him and present when looking for a job in another city. We are fortunate to have three of William's testimonial letters.

Farming in Ireland during this time was difficult. The potato blight continued and the price for other grains was not high. Many Irish left for Canada, the United States, and Australia. The most difficult times were in the late 1840s, but the Knowles stuck it out and seemed to increase their land holdings. By the early 1870s, young William, perhaps restless and wanting to move on, decided his fate and future was in Canada. Robert would also leave Ireland and the two met up again almost twenty years later in Chicago. At the time he left, it was unclear whether his parents were still living nearby. It almost appears that they were traveling or living elsewhere.

Notes

1. Initial Web Publication Date: 4/1/2003
2. Modified:
3. Desktop Master file: Stories_Knowles