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History of Knowlesville, New York, USA
Journey back in time to Knowlesville, New York, USA
Explore Knowlesville, New York, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Knowlesville Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Knowlesville, Orleans, NY
Knowlesville, situate on the eastern bounds of the town of Ridgeway, as at present bounded, owes its existence to the Erie Canal. When work was begun on the canal, but two or three families had located on the ground now covered by the village.
Mr. William Knowles, the pioneer and founder of the village, was the first settler. He took up from the Land company and settled upon lot three, township fifteen, range three, in the winter of 1815.
Shortly after John Caniff took up one hundred acres of the north part of the lot fifty-nine, in township fifteen, range three, adjoining Mr. Knowles' land and east of it.
The first tree cut on the site of Knowlesville stood where the resident of R. P. Wood now stands, and was felled in March, 1815. There Mr. Knowles built the first log cabin, in which he resided. He hired a Mr. Hill to work for him in clearing land, and his wife was their house-keeper. In course of that season, 1815, Mrs. Hill died, being the first person who died in what is now Knowlesville...
The post office was established here in 1826. It became necessary to give the village and post office a name. The inhabitants met together and requested Mr. Knowles to give the name, and he called it Portville. It was afterwards ascertained that there was already a post office in new York named Portville, and the name was then changed to Knowlesville...
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Discover Knowlesville: History, News, Travel, and Stories

The first schoolhouse was built of logs in 1817, and stood a little north of where a brick schoolhouse was afterwards built, on the west side of the street, north of the Erie Canal.
newyorkrooots.org
newyorkrooots.org
In 1825 Mr. Knowles built the first framed house, on the south side of the Erie Canal,
and west side of Main street, yet standing, in which he kept the first tavern for several years. Afterwards he built the first brick house erected, near the canal, and north from his old tavern house, and kept a tavern some time there.
newyorkroots.org
and west side of Main street, yet standing, in which he kept the first tavern for several years. Afterwards he built the first brick house erected, near the canal, and north from his old tavern house, and kept a tavern some time there.
newyorkroots.org
The post office was established Knowlesville in 1826.
newyorkroots.org
newyorkroots.org
Their first public house of worship, now standing in Knowlesville, was built of brick, and dedicated in 1832.
newyorkroots.org
newyorkroots.org
The first Baptist meeting house of worship, and the first Methodist meeting house, which was afterwards burned, were erected in 1833.
newyorkroots.org
newyorkroots.org
1854 - Knowlesville
Knowlesville, a post-village in Ridgway township, Orleans county, New York, on the Erie canal, about 40 miles N. E. by N. from Buffalo. It contains 2 churches and 3 stores. Population, about 600.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Knowlesville, a post-village in Ridgway township, Orleans county, New York, on the Erie canal, about 40 miles N. E. by N. from Buffalo. It contains 2 churches and 3 stores. Population, about 600.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1895 - Knowlesville
Knowlesville, nolz'vil, a post-village of Orleans co, N.Y., in Ridgeway township, on the Erie Canal, and on the New York Central Railroad (Niagara Falls Branch), 36 miles W. of Rochester. It has 3 churches, and manufactures of barrels, carriages, staves, and heading. Pop. 500.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Knowlesville, nolz'vil, a post-village of Orleans co, N.Y., in Ridgeway township, on the Erie Canal, and on the New York Central Railroad (Niagara Falls Branch), 36 miles W. of Rochester. It has 3 churches, and manufactures of barrels, carriages, staves, and heading. Pop. 500.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Knowlesville, nolz'vil, a post-village of Orleans co., N.Y., on the Erie Canal and on the New York Central and Hudson River R., 38 miles W. of Rochester. Pop. 350.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Knowlesville, nolz'vil, a post-village of Orleans co., N.Y., on the Erie Canal and on the New York Central and Hudson River R., 38 miles W. of Rochester. Pop. 350.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Knowlesville:
Oak Orchard State Marine Park: If you're a fan of fishing or simply enjoy being by the water, Oak Orchard State Marine Park is a must-visit. This park offers boat launches and fishing access to the Oak Orchard River, which is known for its fantastic salmon and trout fishing. It's a serene place to spend a day outdoors, whether you're an angler or just looking to relax by the water.
Carlton Hill Multiple Use Area: For nature enthusiasts and hikers, the Carlton Hill Multiple Use Area provides several trails and opportunities for wildlife watching. It's a great spot for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons when you can spot various species of birds. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and a camera to capture the natural beauty.
Explore Apple Orchards: Orleans County is known for its apple orchards, and you can't visit Knowlesville without enjoying some fresh apples and cider. Many orchards in the area offer pick-your-own apples, hayrides, and cider tastings during... Read MORE...
Oak Orchard State Marine Park: If you're a fan of fishing or simply enjoy being by the water, Oak Orchard State Marine Park is a must-visit. This park offers boat launches and fishing access to the Oak Orchard River, which is known for its fantastic salmon and trout fishing. It's a serene place to spend a day outdoors, whether you're an angler or just looking to relax by the water.
Carlton Hill Multiple Use Area: For nature enthusiasts and hikers, the Carlton Hill Multiple Use Area provides several trails and opportunities for wildlife watching. It's a great spot for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons when you can spot various species of birds. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and a camera to capture the natural beauty.
Explore Apple Orchards: Orleans County is known for its apple orchards, and you can't visit Knowlesville without enjoying some fresh apples and cider. Many orchards in the area offer pick-your-own apples, hayrides, and cider tastings during... Read MORE...
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