Family History: Knowles Family, Lincoln Par, LA Submitter: LARRY C. KNOWLES, 1949 SMYRNA RD. S.W. CONYERS, GA 30094-6162 Source: Self Published ************************************************************************* ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** ************************************************ ************************************************************************* KNOWLES / LINCOLN PARISH / LOUISIANA INTRODUCTION: The following six pages, including a cover and title page, were taken from my booklet, THE TRIALS OF JOSEPH NOLES(1817-1907). Like much of my research, it grew out of the diary of James B.Knowles, my second great grandfather. While these pages provide only a "teaser", the complete story highlights the crime and trials of Joseph Noles who settled in Claiborne Parish, LA before 1860. Two other Claiborne/Lincoln Parish men are also noted; Thomas Crawford Noles(Knowles)son of Joseph Noles, and George Washington Knowles. Both are buried in Lincoln Parish, and the latter man may still have descendants in the immediate area.(I just found a "Knowles" community northwest of Vienna on an 1895 US Atlas, a GenWeb Internet project in Michigan!). There are still many unanswered questions about how Joseph "Noles" and George W. Knowles were related; they were clearly brothers-in-law, but the story of Joseph "Noles" is certainly an interesting one! The original booklet may be found in the genealogy libraries listed below: 1) FAMILY HISTORY CENTER LIBRARY, Salt Lake City, UT (Perhaps, soon available through local Family History Centers) 2) LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Washington, DC 3) ALLEN COUNTY LIBRARY, Fort Wayne, Indiana 3) TEXAS STATE LIBRARY, Austin, TX 4) CLAYTON LIBRARY-HOUSTON PUBLIC, Houston, TX 6) SHREVE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Shreveport, LA Notations(*)refer to original booklet text, or format. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ (COVER PAGE)* THE TRIALS OF JOSEPH NOLES (1817-1907) LOCAL HISTORY/GENEALOGY LARRY C. KNOWLES (this page, only on later "editions", had a tree graphic here) _______________________________________________ (TITLE PAGE)* THE TRIALS OF JOSEPH NOLES (1817-1907) FOREWORD It may be that some of the descendants of Joseph E. Knowles were aware of his crime, and had found the incredible documentation of it in the Alabama Archives, but most, I suspect, who have traced him from Navarro Co. Texas(1870)to Claiborne Parish LA(1860) and then, to Baker Co. Georgia (1850)were not aware of his move to Alabama. There are likely hundreds of his descendants, as he had thirteen children from two marriages. Hopefully, most of these will be completely open to this report. In our closets, we all have skeletons whose stories add a lot of color to our otherwise mundane family histories. This is certainly such a story! I first learned of Joseph Noles(#1), and his son, Thomas, in the diary of my second great grandfather, James B. Knowles. This "Journal" fostered my interest in genealogy, and though it wasn't particularly detailed, it furnished just enough clues for further pursuit. Even now, nearly fifteen years after its "discovery", an occasional small gem is unearthed. Often, as in my first efforts with "Uncle Joe", it doesn't lead to anything...but, once in awhile! Of course, the information on Joseph Knowles far exceeded my wildest dreams, and would be, I think, of interest to even incidental readers. To me, it unfolds like the script of a frontier movie. I can't speak for its "readability", for it was compiled(roughly)as the data was gathered. But, the drama (I think)builds gradually as presented and "shortcuts" should be avoided for best effect. For descendants, I have included several of my earlier efforts on family history. All, or parts, of this story may be included in future "editions" of my brief diary summary, "A South Georgia Connection" (available thru LDS Family History Centers). Larry C. Knowles-October 16 1995 Note: The first two pages are a bit misleading, as they were compiled before finding any records of the crime(for complete details of discovery-see page 3). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Addenda:*(not included here) The Family of James Knowles(a very brief diary summary). Knowles in Georgia(a general genealogy background). Assorted Knowles Facts(a few more facts). Early Georgia Marriages(a partial list). ________________________________________ ______________ Footnote-Title page # 1) In the title I used the "N" spelling, simply, because all legal records, and newspaper accounts, in Alabama, used several versions of the name with that letter, never the "Knowles" spelling. Census records in Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia use the latter! _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ (Page 1) JOSEPH E. KNOWLES AND THOMAS CRAWFORD KNOWLES The following information(and diary excerpts)are not meant to embarrass or insult anyone. They are, instead, offered for historical accuracy, and the furthering of Knowles family research. Hopefully, descendants of these men will find the facts enlightening, and, the incident, perhaps, somewhat amusing-given the passage of time, and progression of generations. I have made no concerted effort to uncover details of the crime, but I am convinced of its commission, and perpetrator(s). My curiosity is keen, however, and I would like to "share" any-and all-further information with any member of the "Uncle Joe Knowles family", using whatever degree of discretion required. Larry C. Knowles The relationship of Uncle Joe and Cousin Thomas Knowles to James Bellah Knowles is clearly defined in the latter's diary(#1). It seems certain that Joseph Knowles was unaware that his brother had moved to South Georgia. And, that young James had never met these relatives. It is also obvious that whoever was following Joseph E. Knowles, and his young son Thomas, knew that they were headed for Henry Co. Georgia. And, it seems likely that the crime occurred in Alabama(references to letters make this clear-see diary guide!). The only suggested location, there, came through the Henley Brown letter-"Kingston P.O.". Initially, I thought Kinston(in south central Alabama) to be the likely place of the crime, and location of the "Ala. jail". Unfortunately, many of the early records of Coffee County were lost, and my early interest waned. Little more than a year ago, quite by accident, I found a jail in "Kingston beat" in Autauga Co. AL(1860 census)which could have been the possible location. As yet, I have not attempted further research in that area. So, the particulars and legalities of the "case" remain a mystery. I have, however, accumulated a few facts about Joseph E. Knowles, and his son, Thomas C. Knowles. I found Joseph Knowles on the 1840 Dooly Co. GA census, adjacent to G.W. & George Knowles(obviously relatives!). As yet, his exact relationship to these two men has not been determined. It appears certain that he was not the son of the older man, George(born c.1790). He could have been a brother of G. W.(George Washington)Knowles, who did become his brother-in-law, when Joseph married Mary Ann Swearingen in Dooly on July 25 1839. Mary and Jane Swearingen were the daughters of Thomas Swearingen of Dooly Co., and moved with their husbands to Claiborne Parish Louisiana before 1860(#2). [Joseph E. Knowles, and George Knowles(Sr.)are found on the 1850 Census in Baker Co. GA. George W. supposedly moved briefly to Florida, but was reunited with Joe by 1860.] The older man, George Knowles, is believed to have died in Baker Co. about 1858, and clearly came from Bladen Co. NC(having married there-1811, Gainor, daughter of Benjamin FitzRandolph) . All of Joseph E. Knowles' census records note that he was born in North Carolina, lending credence to my family tradition of connections there. Cemetery records in Claiborne Parish say that George Washington Knowles was born in Bladen Co. NC. _________ Footnotes-page 1 #1) The James B. Knowles diary(1852-1858)is now in the Georgia State Archives. Born and raised in Henry Co. GA, young James began his "Journal" shortly after returning there, for additional schooling. In 1850, his father(James Sr.)had moved the small family to Dooly Co. GA, near Warwick-and Fort Early, on the Flint River. #2) A marriage announcement for Joseph E. Knowles and Mary Ann, "daughter of Thomas Swearingen", was published in the "Macon(Georgia) Messenger" on August 8 1839. ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ (Page 2) JOSEPH E. KNOWLES AND THOMAS CRAWFORD KNOWLES It appears that Joseph E. Knowles was only in Alabama for a short while. According to census records, all of his older children were born in Georgia. Two sons, C. C. and John H. Knowles were born in Louisiana. First wife, Mary Ann, died about 1861. On May 29 1862, in Claiborne Parish LA, Joseph married Emma E. Beaird. Two daughters, Ruth S/L? and Carrie L. Knowles, were born before the family moved to Texas. Three of Joseph's older sons served in Louisiana units during the Civil War: Thomas C., Co. I 28th LA Infantry; George L., Co. H, and, Alexander R., Co. B-both, of the 12th LA Infantry. Shortly after the war, Joseph Knowles moved to Navarro Co. Texas. It is unclear how many of his older sons left Louisiana(#3). There were three other children who were born in Georgia: Emily E., Joseph E., and Mary Ann Knowles. Thomas Crawford Knowles remained, or returned, to Claiborne Parish. He is buried in Vienna cemetery in Lincoln Parish(taken from Claiborne in 1873)-b.June 14 1840, d.July 11 1909. His wife, Christine(Chestine?)who was older, is also buried there(d.May 4 1910). It is not known if they had any children, none were noted on the 1870 Claiborne Pa. census, Athens P.O.(adjacent to the older George W. Knowles, who was listed as a merchant). Thomas C. Knowles was closely associated with George W. Knowles, both being active members of the Terryville Masonic lodge. The latter is buried in Lincoln Parish, Salem Methodist Church cemetery. The tombstone notes his birth in Bladen Co. NC(Oct.12 1812) and, his marriage in Dooly Co. GA(Nov. 22 1838). Wife, Jane Swearingen Knowles is also buried there(b.Sept. 20 1820, d.June 29 1905). After the move to Texas, at least three more children were born to Joseph E. and Emma E. Knowles: Bertie C. Knowles, c.1870/1, and twins, Lafayette F. and Emma F. Knowles, c.1874/5(Navarro Co. census 1880). Joseph was always listed as a blacksmith or farmer on his census records. Perhaps, his troubles resulted from his work as a "smithy". In any case, his sentence was evidently overturned(or he escaped!)and, he managed to live a long life in Navarro County. I found him, age 82, in the household of L. F. McCoy in 1900. L. C. Knowles-April 4 1995 _____________ Note: A last minute look at the 1850 Autauga Co. Alabama census, revealed an older Joseph Knowles(42)-perhaps, a relative? And, more notably, Henley Brown, occupation-"Judge, P. Court"(see previous page). Both, were listed in "Kingston Beat"(#4). It appears that the crime took place in that area! (L.C.K.-April 14 1995). ____________ Footnotes-page 2 #3) George Lawrence Knowles was listed two pages away from his father on the 1870 Navarro Co. census. Brother, Alexander R. Knowles, an early mayor of Vienna LA, later moved to Cade TX, perhaps the "Cade's Chapel" community, just southwest of Midway Church & Cemetery(Navarro Co.)where Joseph and Emma Knowles are buried. #4) Now an obscure crossroads, Kingston was the seat of Autauga County until 1868. The term "Beat" indicated a political/judicial district, or precinct. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ (Page 3) JOSEPH E. KNOWLES AND THOMAS CRAWFORD KNOWLES The first two pages were composed as an addendum(with "guide" and ten diary pages)to "A South Georgia Connection"-a summary of the James Knowles diary(#5). I had always intended to share the limited diary information on "Uncle Joe and cousin Thomas" through public libraries in Navarro Co. Texas, and Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, with the hope that a descendant of either man might find it. I had no idea that my current efforts would lead so quickly to productive research. An absolutely incredible series of events rekindled my interest in "Joe", and added yet another colorful chapter to our family history! I had often joked that perhaps Joe had stolen a horse, given his occupation-and the severity of "frontier" justice, but his crime was much more serious. Fortunately, he had legal counsel, and, though tried and convicted(twice!)- he somehow managed to "escape". We may never know the complete story, but my "concerted effort" is now in full force. In August 1994, Sam H. Henderson of Denton TX(a descendant of George W. Knowles-pg.1) contacted me, thus providing an early generation South Georgia connection. Sam's family tradition had G.W. and Joseph E. Knowles as brothers, a fact yet to be proven. In his last letter(May 5th)Sam produced Joe's place of burial: Midway Cemetery, Navarro Co. TX-[Dec. 23 1817/Jan.13 1907--as well as, 2nd wife Emma, who died in 1895]. In February 1995, while reminiscing with my father(87)in Flovilla GA, where he began school about 1914, we were directed to the home of Vivan Hightower, a former classmate. There, we met the Dunlaps(a nephew & family)of Navarro Co, TX, who had come to the aid of an elderly aunt. As it happened, they were into genealogy, and enjoyed my "tale" about Joe from the James Knowles diary(and other accumulated facts)-and very kindly agreed to carry my data to the Corsicana public library, over the Easter holidays. Shortly thereafter, I told my best friend(and good genealogy buddy)about our luck, and we began "our" search for details about Joe in Alabama. The key, of course, was the Henley Brown letter-and "Kingston Beat"(see pg.2). As Brown was the Probate Judge of Autauga Co. Alabama, and the crime occurred in adjacent Dallas County, there is a bit of mystery. It may be, as I initially thought, that he was a friend or relative of James B. Knowles-several "Browns" having been mentioned in the diary in Dooly Co., or, it may have been, simply, that Joseph Knowles was temporarily housed in Autauga Co.'s new brick jail! Finally, through the KNOWLES RESEARCHER, Robert W. Knowles' terrific newsletter, I have contacted a descendant of Joseph E. Knowles, Delores Forester of Tacoma Washington. Her query in the June 1995 issue, just days after I had compiled the bulk of this material, capped a delightful three months of research. To add more coincidence, "Bob's" ancestor(Joseph T. Knowles)was also in the J.B.K. diary! In his final issue, Bob graciously included a summary of this story. I have reserved several copies of this booklet for "future" descendants. Larry C. Knowles-June 2 1995 [Discretion aside, this story was too good to hide! Others may have found it, no one enjoyed finding it more. L.C.K.-10/16/97] _______________ Footnote-page 3 #5) The James B. Knowles diary(1852-1858)supplied the clues for this search. While most of the material covered his life in Henry and Butts counties, the visits and letters to his family in South Georgia formed a convenient outline for a summary(SGC- available, LDS Family History Centers; relevant-J.B.K. descendants). __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ (Page 4) GUIDE TO DIARY PAGES "THE JOURNAL OF JAMES B. KNOWLES" [PAGE NUMBERS ARE DIARY ORIGINALS/EXCERPTS ARE KEYED TO LETTERS]* A) Page 10, March 3 1853. "...here came Thomas Knowles a cousin of mine & Joseph Knowles an Uncle of mine, one that I had nevere before seen and wish I(almost)nere had." B) Page 11, March 3-9 1853(error in transcription, corrected). James was at school; he walked with them to the spring, learned they intended to go on to Dooly Co. The 6th, an article in the paper about Joe's crime proved erroneous. Upset, James had his teacher send the piece to his father-"a day long to be remembered...nevere forgotten". The 7th: "...very much pestered about Uncle Joe..on Saturday, they(their pursuers)came on after him". C) Page 13, March 14-21. The 14th: James wrote letters to Pa, A. Judia Johnson, and H.V.(Henry)Miller(a former teacher, then in Texas). On the 15th: "...I heard that those men caught Uncle Joe in Dooly at Pa's". (Was Judia Johnson, an aunt? See note below.) D) Page 14, Mar.22-Apr.3 1853. March 25th: "..received a letter from Henly Brown-Ala. Kingston P.O. about Uncle Joe-dated 11 inst"(this letter was the key to the extensive Alabama Archives records-both, legal and published, documenting Joe's crime)! E) Page 18, May 13 1853."..received a letter from J. J. Knowles-Tylor Texas"(no details). F) Page 22, June 23-July 2 1853. June 24th: "..William T. Turner came to B.G.H. (Hooks- where James then boarded)...for me to write...E. Yancy-a cliant for Uncle Joe in Ala(#1)." G) Page 23, July 2-16 1853. The 10th: "..wrote a letter to Uncle James Gray in Baker Co. Ga."(in Hancock Co. GA-1820, James Gray married Elizabeth Knowles, sister of James' father. Gray's 1850 Baker Co. census provided a link to the Greene/Hancock Co. area). H) Page 29, Aug. 17-26 1853. The 25th: "I wrote two letters, one to Lee Bates-(a former teacher in Newton Co. Georgia)-the other to Uncle Joe". I) Page 31, Sept. 2-10 1853. The 9th: "..to the store and waited for the arrival of the mail, received a letter from U. Joe, Ala. jail-he was well and want-ted help in his distress". J) Page 53, July 27-Aug. 24 1854. The 11th:(code indicates that James went in swimming, or "in washing")..."today is the day for my Uncle to be hung-but was not". ______________________________________________ Note: These ten diary pages contain all of the direct references to family relationships found within the James B. Knowles journal-except, for isolated "Turner" cousins, and the young men, Joseph T. and John Abner Knowles, and others, as noted in the textual material! Judia Johnson("C" above)could be Judith Noles who married Timothy Johnson in Hancock Co. GA in 1817. J. J. Knowles("E" above)is surely James Joseph Knowles, who married in Greene Co. GA-1821, lived briefly in Jasper, then Fayette Co. GA, Alabama(?) & Smith Co. TX by 1850! ("Textual material" refers to a summary of the James B. Knowles diary, A South Georgia Connection). ________________ Footnote-page 4 #1) I first thought this might be one of Joe's clients, even his accuser. But, James may have used this word instead of "agent". Did he, perhaps, write to the Montgomery law firm of Elmore & Yancy? __________________________ __________________________ FINAL NOTE: "THE TRIALS OF JOSEPH NOLES(1817-1907)" is available at the libraries noted above, in its original booklet form. It may soon be a available online(if I can get the right format). Revised, "digital" editions are available, limited by number-and perhaps time, on diskette in Windows 98/MS Word, formatted for HP 812C printers. knonga@bellsouth.net