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{{Short description|American businessman}}

[[Joseph Knowland]], (1833 - 1912), father of [[United States Representative]] [[Joseph R. Knowland]] and Grandfather of [[United States Senator]] [[William Fife Knowland]].

{{Infobox person

|name=Joseph Knowland

|image=Joseph Knowland (California businessman).jpg

|caption = ''Oakland Tribune'' (Oakland, CA), November 13, 1912

|birth_date={{birth date|1833|10|8|mf=y}}

|birth_place=[[New York City, New York]]

|death_date={{death date and age|1912|11|13|1833|10|8|mf=y}}

|death_place=[[Alameda, California]]

}}

'''Joseph Knowland''' (October 8, 1833 – November 13, 1912) was an American businessman active in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was the father of [[United States Representative]] [[Joseph R. Knowland|Joseph Russell Knowland]], grandfather of [[United States Senator]] [[William Fife Knowland]], and great-grandfather of publisher and actor [[Joe Knowland|Joseph William "Joe" Knowland]].

==OriginNew York==

[[Joseph Knowland]] was born in [[New York City]], [[New York]] October 8, 1833.

He was orphaned as a youth. Little is known of his early life. His son, Joseph Russell Knowland, wrote: "that his father's parents, died when he was a small boy and [he] recalled little or nothing of them".

[[Joseph Knowland]] was born in [[New York City]], [[New York]] October 8,1833.

==Argonaut==

He was orphaned as a youth. Little is known of his early life. His son, Joseph Russell Knowland, wrote: "that his father's parents, died when he was a small boy and [he] recalled little or nothing of them.

As a young man, Joseph Knowland traveled west to seek his fortune in the California gold fields. He left [[Southampton]] (town), New York|Southampton, [[Long Island]], [[New York]], on the [[S.S. ''George Law]]'' to [[Colón, Panama#History|Aspinwall]], the Port of the [[Isthmus of Panama]], on the Atlantic side. He crossed the Isthmus by trainthe 49-mile railway, seeing the tropical trees and jungle. He departed Panama on the [[Pacific side aboard the S.S. ''John L. Stephens]]''. Joseph Knowland arrived in [[San Francisco]] on February 14, 1857. He travelledtraveled to [[Yankee Jim's]] in [[Placer County]], the argonauts' gateway to the gold fields. However, chronic illinessillness and lack of success made Knowland return to San Francisco.

==Background==

As a young man, Joseph Knowland traveled west to seek his fortune in the California gold fields. He left [[Southampton]], [[Long Island]], [[New York]] on the [[S.S. George Law]] to [[Aspinwall]], the Port of the [[Isthmus of Panama]].He crossed the Isthmus by train, seeing the tropical trees and jungle. He departed Panama on the [[S.S. John L. Stephens]]. Joseph Knowland arrived in [[San Francisco]] on February 14, 1857. He travelled to [[Yankee Jim's]] in [[Placer County]], the argonauts gateway to the gold fields. However, chronic illiness and lack of success made Knowland return to San Francisco.

==San Francisco==

Joseph Knowland found employmentworked as a laborer, with the firm of George H. Moore and Francis B. Folger, which handled clipper ship service between New York and San Francisco. He left Moore and Folger in 1862, to clerk for Charles Hare's Anchors and Ship Chandler Company. However, a position with Benjamin Dore's Lumber Company, soon proved more lucrative.

Having a secure job, May 13, 1863, Joseph Knowland married in San Francisco, [[Hannah Bailey Russell]], (1832-19211832–1921) ofborn in Bingham/[[Moscow, Maine]]., Sheand wasraised of sturdyin [[NewBingham, EnglandMaine]] stock. The daughter of Francis Russell and Rhoda Bailey Russell. Her ancestors, Joseph Russell and Calvin Russell, were veterans of the [[American Revolution]].

Joseph Knowland found employment as a laborer, with the firm of George H. Moore and Francis B. Folger, which handled clipper ship service between New York and San Francisco. He left Moore and Folger in 1862, to clerk for Charles Hare's Anchors and Ship Chandler Company. However, a position with Benjamin Dore's Lumber Company, soon proved more lucrative.

Shortly after his marriage, Joseph Knowland was elevated to bookeeperbookkeeper at Henry Blythe's Lumber Yard. Saving enough money to invest, in 1867, he formed a partnership with Jason Springer. Springer and Knowland Lumber Company was a profitable venture. Four years later Knowland and [[Charles Franklin Doe]] formed the Knowland and Doe Lumber Company. Charles Franklin Doe, the benefactor of the [[University of California at, Berkeley]], the Main/[[Doe Library|main library]] bears his name.

Having a secure job, May 13, 1863, Joseph Knowland married in San Francisco, [[Hannah Bailey Russell]], (1832-1921) of Bingham/[[Moscow, Maine]]. She was of sturdy [[New England]] stock. The daughter of Francis Russell and Rhoda Bailey Russell. Her ancestors, Joseph Russell and Calvin Russell, were veterans of the [[American Revolution]].

The Knowland daughters were born during this period. Sadie E., (1864-19051864–1905), and Lucille, (1870-19261870–1926). A son, Hollis Russell Knowland, died as an infant.

Shortly after his marriage, Joseph Knowland was elevated to bookeeper at Henry Blythe's Lumber Yard.Saving enough money to invest, in 1867, he formed a partnership with Jason Springer. Springer and Knowland Lumber Company was a profitable venture. Four years later Knowland and [[Charles Franklin Doe]] formed the Knowland and Doe Lumber Company. Charles Franklin Doe, the benefactor of the [[University of California at Berkeley]], the Main/[[Doe Library]] bears his name.

Due to a recurrence of the illinessillness of his mining days, in 1872, Joseph Knowland moved his family from San Francisco to the city of [[Alameda, California|Alameda]] in [[Alameda County]].

The Knowland daughters were born during this period. Sadie E., (1864-1905), and Lucille, (1870-1926). A son, Hollis Russell Knowland died as an infant.

Due to a recurrence of the illiness of his mining days,in 1872, Joseph Knowland moved his family from San Francisco to the city of [[Alameda]] in [[Alameda County]].

==Alameda==

The new home at 2426 Lincoln Avenue was for a growing family. Joseph Russell Knowland, was born at home, August 5, [[1873]]. The home was not a political one, yet the [[Northern United States|Northern]] ideals were instilled in the children. The children attended the public schools. Sadie and Lucy attended the private [[Snell Seminary School for Women]] and JR went to Hopkins Academy and University of the Pacific. Joseph R. Knowland wrote of his mother, "she was known as a warm, confident person who got things done, with a minimum of histrionics and a maximum of effectiveness.... having the rock-ribbed benevolence of a native of Maine".

The new home at 2426 Lincoln Avenue was for a growing family. Joseph Russell Knowland, was born at home, August 5, [[1873]]. The home was not a political one, yet the [[Northern]] ideals were instilled in the children. The children attended the public schools. Sadie and Lucy attended the private Snell Seminary School for Women and JR went to Hopkins Academy and University of the Pacific. Joseph Knowland wrote of his mother, "she was known as a warm, confident person who got things done, with a minimum of histrionics and a maximum of effectiveness.... having the rock-ribbed benevolence of a native of Maine".

==Business==

Joseph Knowland hashad an instinct for business and a willingness to undertake new and exciting ventures. Diversified interests, related to the lumber business. He reorganized Gardiner Mill Company of Gardiner City, Oregon. A major interest-holder in the Kerchoff-Cuzner Mill in Los Angeles. Serving with the Hoopers and Talbots on the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of the [[San Pedro]] Lumber Company. Joseph Knowland was chief advisor to the Southern Lumber Company of [[San Diego]]. Investing with Egbert Judson, former [[California governor]], [[Frederick Low]] and other prominent men in mining interests in [[Tombstone, Arizona Territory]] Territory. He served as vice-president of the Kennedy Mining and Milling Company in Jackson, Amador County. When whaling was very lucrative, Joseph Knowland, was the principal owner of the whaler, '''Amethyst'''. U.S. Naval ships saved the crew; but, the '''Amethyst''' sank. AKnowland, became a major stockholder in the Alameda Bank, and trustee of the Gas Consumers Association.

==Later Lifelife==

Joseph Knowland has an instinct for business and a willingness to undertake new and exciting ventures. Diversified interests, related to the lumber business. He reorganized Gardiner Mill Company of Gardiner City, Oregon. A major interest-holder in the Kerchoff-Cuzner Mill in Los Angeles. Serving with the Hoopers and Talbots on the Board of Directors of the [[San Pedro]] Lumber Company. Joseph Knowland was chief advisor to the Southern Lumber Company of [[San Diego]]. Investing with Egbert Judson, former [[California governor]],[[Frederick Low]] and other prominent men in mining interests in [[Tombstone, Arizona Territory]]. He served as vice-president of the Kennedy Mining and Milling Company in Jackson, Amador County. When whaling was very lucrative, Joseph Knowland, was the principal owner of the whaler, '''Amethyst'''. U.S. Naval ships saved the crew; but, the '''Amethyst''' sank. A stockholder in the Alameda Bank, and trustee of the Gas Consumers Association.

JosephA Knowland,33rd welldegree known in business and fraternal life. In 1864Mason, he joined San Francisco's Golden Gate Masonic Lodge, when he moved to Alameda, going into Oak Grove Lodge. Becoming a 33 degree Mason shortly before his death. A member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served on the board of trustees of the Old People's Home. Joseph Knowland each Christmas would send coal and groceries to the most needy in the community and ask nothing for his charity.

Joseph Knowland was extremely proud of his family:His eldest daughter, Sadie E. Coe, wife of Professor George A. Coe of the [[Northwestern University]] at [[Evanston]], [[Illinois]].

==Later Life==

daughter, LucyLucille K. Hill and son, US Congressman Joseph Russell Knowland. His grandchildren, Elinor, Russ and Billy.

JosephSadie Knowland was deeply saddened by the death of Sadie,died August 23, 1905, and daughter-in-law, Ellie, died July 20, 1908.

Joseph Knowland, well known in business and fraternal life. In 1864, he joined San Francisco's Golden Gate Masonic Lodge, when he moved to Alameda, going into Oak Grove Lodge. Becoming a 33 degree Mason shortly before his death. A member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served on the board of trustees of the Old People's Home. Joseph Knowland each Christmas would send coal and groceries to the most needy in the community and ask nothing for his charity.

Knowland left a sick bed to vote for his son, November 5, 1912. The afternoon of November 13, 1912, Knowland died at his Alameda home, surrounded by his wife, son and daughter. The funeral was conducted as a joint Presbyterian and First Methodist service. Knowland was honored with full Masonic rites. Knowland was cremated. At Chapel of Memories in Oakland, California, his remains are in ''Verbena'' Section, Tier 2 Number 6 along with wife, Hannah and daughter, Lucille Knowland Hill.

Joseph Knowland was extremely proud of his family: eldest daughter, Sadie E. Coe, wife of Professor George A. Coe of the [[Northwestern University]] at [[Evanston]], [[Illinois]].

daughter, Lucy Hill and son, US Congressman Joseph Russell Knowland. His grandchildren, Elinor, Russ and Billy.

==Fraternal organizations==

Joseph Knowland was deeply saddened by the death of Sadie, August 23, 1905 and daughter-in-law, Ellie, July 20, 1908.

Free and Accepted Mason, Knights Templar, Royal Arch Mason,

Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

May 13, 1913,Joseph and Hannah celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Joseph Knowland, left a sick bed to vote for his son, November 5, 1912. He died at his Alameda home, November 13, 1914. The services were a joint Presbyterian and First Methodist rite. Joseph Knowland was cremated. Well remembered and beloved by his family and business associates.

==References==

*"All Flags in Alameda Are Half-Masted When Joseph Knowland Dies", ''San Francisco Chronicle'', November 14, 1912.

*"Alameda Pays High Tribute", ''Oakland Tribune'', November 14, 1912.

*''The Bay of San Francisco: The Metropolis of the Pacific Coast and Its Suburban Cities'', 2 vols. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1892.

*Wyatt, Daniel E., ''Joseph R. Knowland: The Political Years, 1899-19151899–1915'', San Francisco: D Wyatt, 1982.

{{authority control}}

All Flags in Alameda Are Half-Masted When Joseph Knowland Dies,

San Francisco Chronicle, November 14, 1912.

The Bay of San Francisco: The Metropolis of the Pacific Coast and Its Suburban Cities, 2 vols. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1892.

Wyatt, Daniel E., Joseph R. Knowland: The Political Years, 1899-1915 San Francisco: D Wyatt, 1982.

[[Category{{DEFAULTSORT:1833 births|Knowland, Joseph]]}}

[[Category:19121833 deaths|Knowland,Josephbirths]]

[[Category:1912 deaths]]

[[Category:Businesspeople from New York City]]

[[Category:Businesspeople from California]]

[[Category:People from Alameda, California]]

[[Category:People of the California Gold Rush]]

[[Category:Knowland family|Joseph]]

[[Category:19th-century American businesspeople]]