Warren P. Knowles (1841-1889)

Warren P. Knowles

Warren Perley Knowles was born in Canterbury, New Hampshire.

His obituary from the River Falls Journal, May 30, 1889:

KNOWLES – At his home in this city, May 26, 1889 Warren Perley Knowles aged 48 years 2 months and 10 days.

Mr. Knowles was born in Canterbury, New Hampshire and in 1856 came to this city which has since been his home.

In 1861 he enlisted in the Hudson City Guards and was mustered into the 4th Wisconsin Infantry with the company which was known as Company G.  The regiment was afterwards changed by order of the war department to cavalry.  He received his first commission as lieutenant for gallantry at Port Hudson and later as captain of Company G.  From the fall of 1863 until the close of the war he was in command of Gen. Canby’s special scouts and did some effective work in breaking up the bands of guerrillas and smugglers of contra band goods and in scouting in front of Gen. Canby’s army on the march from Fish River to Mobile.

On his return at the close of the war he was married in November 1868 to Miss Francis Nichols of this place.

His acquaintance was almost universal in the St. Croix Valley and he made many warm friends.  He was bright, apt and genial and full of grit and gumption and was noted as a gallant and daring soldier.

He leaves a most esteemed wife and two engaging children, Miss Faith a young lady of 19 and Warren a lad of 11.

The funeral last Tuesday was largely attended.  Rev. J. D. Whitelaw performed the religious services at the house and the Grand Army Post of this city with comrades from the surrounding towns took charge of the remains and conducted services at the grave according to the beautiful and impressive rites of the order.

From The Prescott Journal, July 11, 1863:

— WARREN P. KNOWLES, of River Falls, has been promoted to a Lieutenancy in the 4th Regiment, for gallantry at Port Hudson.  He has a record as a soldier, to be proud of.