•Family Group Record of the Knowles Family (fgr)

•Timetable of the Knowles Family (timetable) 

•Story of Richard of Sarah Knowles by their granddaughter, Unity Ann Knowles Chappell (Document 1)

•Story of Richard and Sarah from the Book: Our Pioneer Heritage, vol. 3, compiled by Kate B. Carter from the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1960 - Printed by Utah Printing Co., Salt Lake City. (Document 2)

•1841 Census Search in Manchester, Lancashire, England (Document 3)

•Manchester, England LDS Branch records (Document 4)

•Bristol LDS Branch Records (Document 5)

•Vital Records (Document 6)

•Birth of Richard Knowles (Document 7)

•The Birth of Sarah Rostirn (Document 8)

•Marriage of John Knowles to Hannah Webb (Document 9)

•LDS Membership Card File (Document 10)

•Date of Emmigration for Richard and Sarah (Document 11)

•Various Passenger Lists of the Ship Brooklyn (Document 12)

•The Knowles Property and Places of Residence in San Francisco, California (Document 13)

•Land Acquisition in San Francisco, California (Document 14)

•Census Records of California, 1852 (Document 15)

•Rebaptism of Richard and Sarah into the Mormon Church (Document 16)

•Obituaries in California (Document 17)

•Place of Burial of Richard and Sarah (Document 18)

•Marriage of Richard Berry and Sarah Knowles (jr.) (Document 19)

 

Husband:

Given name: Richard	Last name: Knowles
Born: 8 Jul 1787	Place:
Christened:	Place:
Married: 18 Nov 1816	Place: Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancaster, England
Died: 29 Nov 1859	Place: San Francisco CA
Buried: Lone Mt. Cemetery, San Fransisco, moved to Cypress Lawn Cemetery, Colma, CA	Place: Colma, San Mateo, CA
Husband's Father Given Name: Richard	Last Name:
Husband's Mother Given Name:	Maiden Name:

 Wife:

Given name: Sarah Rostirn	Last name:
Born:	Place:
Christened:	Place:
Died: 21 Jan 1856	Place:San Francisco, CA
Buried: Lone Mt. Cemetery, San Fransisco, now Cypress Lawn Cemetery, Colma, CA	Place: Colma, CA
Wife's Father Given Name: James	Last Name:
Wife's Mother Given Name: Alice	Maiden Name:

 Children:

Sex	Children	When Born	Where Born	Mar. Date	To Whom	Died
M	John Knowles	Chr 6 Aug 1817	Manchester, England	21 Mar 1841	Hannah Webb	8 Apr 1847 in Winter Quarters, NE
F	Margaret Noules	Chr 11 Apr 1819	Manchester, England
M	Dennis Knowles	Chr 7 Jan 1821	Manchester, England	1840	Ellen (Eliza)	29 Dec 1882 in Manchester, England
M	Thomas Knowles	11 May 1823	Manchester, England	27 Dec 1844	Eliza Osborn	30 Dec 1887 in Nephi, UT
F	Sarah (Ann)
F	Caroline (Amelia)	29 Aug 1829? 1824? 1828?	Manchester?	22 Dec 1850	David Webb	27 Nov 1908 in Nephi UT

1784-1795- Richard is born (actual date unknown) (Document 7)

1791 or 1797- Sarah Rostirn is born (actual date unknown) (Document 8)

1815- Marrage of Richard Knowles and Sarah Rostern in the Manchester Cathedral by banns on November 18. (Document 6)

1817- Birth of son John on August 6 (Document 6)

1819- Birth of daughter Margaret on April 11 (Document 6)

1821- Birth of son Denis on January 7 (Document 6)

1823: Thomas is born in Manchester on May 11.

1826- Birth of daughter Sarah on March 26 (Document 6)

1829- Birth of daughter Alice on May 1^st and is christened on June 8 in the Wesleyan Chapel. (Docuemnt 6)

1840:

Apr. 12: Dennis Knowles maries Eliza Calvert (also known as Ellen) in Manchester.

Oct. 19: Sarah Jr is baptzed into the LDS Church Oct. 19, 1840 when she was living on New St. in Manchester. She seems to be the first to join the Church. (Document 10)

1841:

•The census of Manchester at 7 Grey St. shows Richard age 50, Sarah, age 50 and two children: Sarah, age 15 and Caroline, age 12. The ages given here must be interpreted because the census usually gives only the 5 year age category for those over 15, In other words, the age given for Sarah (15) could mean she is as old as 19. Richard and Sarah are baptized into the Manchester Branch of the LDS Church: (Document 3)

•Richard is baptised September 19, 1841 in the Manchester Branch (Document 4) (Document 10)

•Sarah is baptised on Oct. 3, 1841 in the Manchester Branch (Document 4) (Document 10)

•Richard and Sarah seem to move to Bristol immediately after their baptism, since they turn up the the Bristol Branch records. (Document 5) It seems that Thomas and John precede them to Bristol because John is married to Hannah Webb (March 21^st in the presence of Thomas in Bristol. (Document 9) (Document 10)

Richard Knowles, age 58 living at Lawrence Hill rebaptised Nov. 7, 1841 in the Bristol Branch

Sarah Knowles, age 53 living at Lawrence Hill rebaptised Nov. 7, 1841 in the Bristol Branch

Caroline Knowles, age 16 living at Lawrence Hill, baptized Nov. 7, 1841 (Document 10)

Sarah Knowles, age 19, living at Lawrence Hill, baptized Nov. 7, 1841. Her husband Richard Berry is age 19, probably living at Lawrence Hill is baptized Oct. 23, 1843 by Elder Renvte? (Document 10)

Thomas Knowles, age 21 living at Lawrence Hill, baptized Dec. 13, 1841 by Elder Webb and Steel (Document 10)

John Knowles, age 25 living at Lawrence Hill is married to Hannah Webb on March 21, 1841 in the presents of Thomas Knowles and Hannah Reed and then is baptized Dec. 27, 1841 by Elder Webb and Steel. Hannah Knowles, his wife is age 22 living at Lawrence Hill, baptized Jan. 3, 1842 by Elder Webb, Richard, and Steel. (Document 10)

 

1843: Richard ordained a Deacon on Aug. 28, 1843 in the Bristol Branch. (Document 10)

1844: Marriage of Thomas Knowles and Eliza Osborne, both of full age, he a bachelor, she a spinster, he a throstle spinner, on 27 Dec 1844, both residing at St. Philips. Richard Knowles, a throstle spinner and Thomas Osborne, a lime burner are listed as parents.. Witnesses are Henry Naish and Eliza David.

1845:

Jan. 5: Thomas is ordained a Priest in the Bristol Branch by Elder Rawle on January 5^th.

May 18: Unity Ann Knowles gave the date of emigration of Richard and Sarah on the 18^th of May, 1845. (Document 11)

May 25: On 25 May 1845 is a marriage solemnized aat the Parish Church of St. Philip and Jacob in the County of Bristol: no. 318: Married Richard Berry and Sarah Knowles - both of minor age - he a bachelor, she a spinster - he a baker - rother residing in the Parish. Fathers are listed as John Berry a gardner and Richard Knowles a foreman at cotton factory. Witnesses are Samuel Gentle and Henry Naish. (Document 19)

July 1: Unity Knowles says that Thomas emigrated to America on this date and lived in Lowell Massachsetts for a time.

1846:

In New York: Richard and Sarah leave New York City on the Ship Brooklyn on February 4^th, and arrive in Yerba Buena (San Francisco) California on July 31^st. (Document 12)

1847:

In California: Richard Knowles acquires lot 147 in San Francisco. This lot is sold in a couple of years to the Church of England and Richard and Sarah move to 245 Clay Street. The original lot is later sold to an insurance company after the 1906 earthquake. (Document 13)

In Massachusetts: Henry Knowles is born to Thomas Knowles and Eliza on April 16 in Lowell.

In Iowa: John Knowles (married to Hannah Webb) dies in Winter Quarters, Nebraska on April 8^th. His name is inscribed on the monument at Winter Quarters listing pioneers who died in the terrible winter there.

1848:

In Massachusetts: Emma E. Knowles is born to Thomas Knowles and Eliza on Dec. 8 at Dracutt, Massachusetts. Their residencece is listed as Elm St. inLawrence, Massachusetts and Thomas' occupation listed as weaver.

1849:

In Iowa: Using money sent by Richard and Sarah from California (according to Unity Ann, their daughter), Thomas and Eliza Osborn Knowles are now in Council Bluffs Iowa on their way west. A child Emma Elisa dies there 8 Dec 1849.

1850: Caroline Knowles marries David Webb on 22 Dec.

1851:

In California: The diary of Parley P Pratt says that he preached in San Francisco on Sunday the 20^th and on Monday the 21^st Richard and Sarah were rebaptized into the Church. (Document 16)

1852:

In California: The 1852 Census of San Francisco lists Richard Knowles and Mrs. Knowles ages 17 (should be 57) and 55 having been born in England. (Document 15)

In Iowa: Emmaline L. Knowles is born to Thomas and Eliza Knowles on 5 Jan and they leave Iowa according to Unity ten days later, arriving in Utah a few months later.

1854:

In Utah: Alva Gowan Knowles born 23 May in Nephi, indicating that Thomas and Eliza Knowles are settled there.

1856:

In California: The Sun newspaper for Wed. morning, January 23, 1856 prints the obituary of Sarah Rostirn Knowles : In this city, on Monday, the 21^st inst., of abcess of liver, Mrs. Sarah Knowles, consort of Richard Knowles, a native of Manchester, Engl., aged 65…funeral this Wed. afternoon at 2'o'clock, P.M. from her residence, 245 Clay Street. Sarah is buried in Lone Mountain Cemetery and later moved to Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma, California in crypt 314. (Document 17) (Document 18)

1859:

In California: The Daily Alta California on Tuesday Morning Nov. 29^th, 1959 printed the obituary of Richard: Died in this city, Nov. 28, Richard Knowles , of England, aged 75 years. Richard is bured in the Lone Mountain Cemetery G#4 T.23, Chain plot. Later moved to Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma, California in crypt 314.(Document 17) (Document 18)

1870:

In California: The 1870 census of San Francisco lists Goeorge Toreens, age 55 and Sarah as age 39.

1880:

In California: The 1880 census of San Francisco shows George Torrens age 58 born in Ireland and Sarah age 44 born in England living at Torrens court.(Document 15)

1882:

In England: Dennis Knowles dies 29 Dec 1882 in Manchester England.

1884:

In California: The Daily Examiner newspaper on July 6 prints this obituary: In this city, July 4, Sarah, beloved wife of George Torrens, a native of England, aged 54 years. Residence listed as 4 Torrens Ct.

1887:

In California: Obituary in the Daily Alta California, Monday, Nov. 7: Funeral of an old and highly respected San Franciscan: The funeral of ex-supervisor George Torrens took place yesterday afternoon ffrom the residence of his nephew, William Dunlap, No. 8 Fair Oaks St. near Nineteenth. Buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery "Mr. Torrens was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in the year 1812 being consequently 75 years old at the time of death. On Nov. 15, the paper lists the probate of George Torrens' will valued at $36,000 to be distributed among the four brothers and the two sisters of the deceased.

In Utah: Thomas Knowles dies in Utah 20 Dec 1887.

1908: Caroline Knowles Webb dies in Nephi on 27 Nov.

Document 1: Story of Richard and Sarah Written by Unity Ann Knowles Chappell at Age 89 (1946)

In the year 1846, my Grandparents, Richard Knowles, his wife, Sarah Rossiter Knowles, and daughter Sarah arrived in New York, converts to the Latter-day Saints Church. At that time, Orson Hyde was in charge of the Latter-day Saints headquarters in New York, and he advised that the Saints who wished to go to Utah should go by boat from New York up the Pacific Coast to San Francisco. Samuel Brannan chartered the sailing ship, Brooklyn, to take the Saints on that voyage. Among the Saints who went were my Grandparents Richard Knowles and family. They sailed out of New York harbor 4 February 1846, with 330 Latter-day Saints, men women and children. They were six months on the journey. After suffering many hardships, they arrived at Yerba Buena (San Francisco) on 26 July 1846, just as the war with Mexico was over and saw the American flag being put up. The ship's log showed a journey of twenty four thousand miles. When they arrived, they were a povery stricken lot, possessing little more than the clothes they wore. In some respects, they had less than the pioneers of Salt Lake, for they had their horses, wagons, cattle and other things, but the Saints from the Brooklyn had spent what they had in paying their passage on the ship and the general expenses of a sea voyage. There was nothing else for them to do but to commence all over again to make new homes in that new world. San Francisco at that time was mostly sand dunes, covered with scrub oaks and chaparal thickets. The town at that time consisted of a few hundred people of mixed races. The Mormons went there seeking refuge from their religious persecutors, and history tells us that the Brooklyn Saints were the first exiles and pioneers of the Mormon exodus to enter the Mexico Territory. It wasn't long until relief came to them, for gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill race on the South Fork of the American River. For some reason, the water had been turned out of the race and a man seeing something shinning in the race, picked it up and found it to be gold. The excitement of finding gold grew and housing being short, some of the Brooklyn Saints took their families and moved to the gold diggings. There the Saints started a school which was taught by a Brooklyn girl; and the Saints were the first to have an English school in San Francisco. Gold being discovered in San Francisco soon brought hundreds of other people there. It was not long until their little town had grown to be a large city. Brigham Young told the Saints the gathering place for them was in the Salt Lake Valley. The Saints who had panned enough gold to buy horses, wagons and other supplies, left early in 1848 for Salt Lake. My grandparents remained in San Francisco. Their daughter, Sarah married George Correns and also stayed there. Through industry and frugality, they soon acquired considerable money. When my father, Thomas Knowles, and wife arrived in America, his father, Richard Knowles, set him money to pay their passage to San Francisco; but father knowing Brigham had advised the Saints to leave California, took the money and bought an outfit and came to Utah. He never saw his father and mother after they left England. During my grandparent's life, like many others, they became quite wealthy. They owned a court in the residential part of town called Torrance Court. They had beautiful homes which were rented. They lived and died there and were buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery. In the year 1815, I visited San Francisco, that was after the earthquake and fire and all their possessions had been destroyed. I went to the cemetery where they were buried. It was a beautiful place with lovely flowers and vines. I was told the city cared for the pioneer graves. My grandmother and aunt Sarah were buried in the same grave, grandfather and Mr. Correns in the same grave. A large marble slab coverd their graves, which gave the date of their death, and they are resting in the land where they pioneered in the early days of San Francisco. (errors ed. Note: Rossitter = Rostirn; Sarah Jr. on the Brooklyn?; Correns = Torrens; Mormons did not see the American flag go up - it went up two days previous to their entry.)

Document 2: Story of Richard and Sarah from the Book: Our Pioneer Heritage, vol. 3, compiled by Kate B. Carter from the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1960 - Printed by Utah Printing Co., Salt Lake City.

p. 561 - Richard and Sarah Knowles.

Ofttimes joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in pioneer days brought many heartaches and physical hardships as well as satisfaction and joy in receiving the Gospel. Some of these fine people never saw their loved ones again. Two converts, Richard and Sarah Rossiter Knowles were among those who made such sacrifices for the sake of their religious beliefs. They emigrated from England bringing their youngest daughter Sarah; but leaving the other members of their family to be sent for later. It is believed there were four children, however, only a record of two is known. The Knowles family upon their arrival in New York were directed by Apostle Pratt to embark with other Mormons on the Brooklyn, destination California. Like many other Mormon families, the Knowles possesed little of this world's goods, but collectively these people owned a sawmill, a blacksmith shop, harness shop, printing press as well as farm machinery as a means of making a livelihood. The discovery of gold brought many changes, and soon the majority of the people had panned a sufficient amount of the precious metal to purchace outfits to go over the mountains to Deseret as their leader, Brigham Young, directed. The Knowles family were among those who accumulated gold, but they chose to stay in San Francisco where opportunities were more abundant. Although Richard and Sarah became quite prosperous, they remained true to the Church of their choice. They bought lands and houses for rentals as well as a home of their own. Richard dispatched the first money he could spare to England to emigrate his family. Thomas Knowles availed himself of the opportunity and brought his family to Utah where he waited in vain for his parents to join him. Sarah, in the meantime, had married a Mr. George Torrens. The parents Richard and Sarah, the daughter, Sarah, and her husband are all buried in the Laurel Hill cemetary in San Francisco. The Thomas Knowles family who came to Utah have a large posterity in the Church in Utah, Idaho and California. According to L.D.S. Church records, Richard Knowles was born in Gloustershire, England and died in San Francisco. Sarah, the daughter, died in San Francisco July 5, 1884.

--Mildred Pearce Morgan

(Sarah Sr.'s birth date and place rejected by research; Sarah Jr. death date was 4 July 1884; Richard's birth place is still speculation; DVL tried to contact Mildred Pearce Morgan but she passed away before the source of the history above could be ascertained. It is obviously different from Unity Chappell's history in important detailes.)

Document 3: 1841 Census Search in Manchester, Lancashire, England

GS438729: 577/37 page 9: Grey Street (right side)

Name	Age	Occ.	Born in County?
Richard Knowles	50m	Labourer	No
Sarah "	50f	--	Yes
Sarah "	15f	Cotton reeler	Yes
Caroline "	12f.	--	Yes

 (It is to be observed that this census usually gives only the 5 year age category for those over 15. In other words, the age given for Sarah (15) could mean she is as old as 19.)

 Document 4: Manchester, England LDS Branch records (GS087017)

No.	Name	When bapt.	Residence	Remarks
K53 943	Knowles, Sarah	1840 Oct 19 (dau.)	New Street	Removed to Bristol
947	Knowles,Richard	1841 Sept 19	7 Grey St.	Removed to Bristol
948	Knowles, Sarah	1841 Oct 3	do	do
K46 895	Knowles, Sarah	1840 Oct. 19	New Street
899	Knowles, Rich	1841 Sept 10	7 Gray St.	Cut off May 1843
900	Knowles, Sarah	1841 Oct 3	do	To Bristol

(This record is a copy since it is alphabatized and contains years 1837-1844?)

Document 5: Bristol LDS Branch Records (GS 096986) Book no. 109

Page	Line	Name	Age	Residence	By whom	Date	Removal
1a	14	Richard Knowles	58	Lawrence Hill (an erasure)		1841Nov. 7	America
1a	15	Sarah Knowles Sen	53	ditto		do	do
1a	16	Caroline Knowles	16	ditto		do	do
1a	19	Sarah Knowles (Berry)	19	ditto		do	Manchester
1a	18	Thomas Knowles	21	ditto	El.Webb and Steal	Dec 13	America
1a	22	John Knowles	25	Lawrence Hill	Webb and Steal	Dec 27	America
1a	28	Hanah Knowles	22	Lawrence Hill	Webb, Richard and Steal	Jan. 3, 1842	America
	125	Richard Berry	19	Blank (probably intended Lawrence Hill)	Eld. Renvte?	Oct. 23, 1843	removed

(Richard and Sarah emigrated 18 May 1845. It would seem that at this time the clerk of the Branch went back and recorded the ages for the family as listed here. Ages are definitely added to the record - not in the original record. Ages recorded above names in lighter ink. Ages are 5 years older than they really are in 1841 supporting the idea that they were added at the emmigration time. Not eveyone in the original record has an age listed. The name of Sarah Knowles jr. was crossed out and Berry was written above it indicating that Sarah was probably married to Richard Berry. Nothing more known about him.)

Documents 6: Vital Records

Marriage Records of the Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, England (GS 438190) #1445 p. 482:

1815

Nov. 18

Richard Knowles bachelor and spinner and Sarah Rostern spinster, both of Manchester by banns.

Both mark "x"

Searches of Manchester Cathedral Birth records in 1974:

1817	Aug 6	John son Richard & Sarah Knowles, spinner of Manchester
1819	Apr 11	Margaret dau Richard & Sarah Noules spinner of Mancester
1821	Jan 7	Denis son Richard & Sarah Nowles, cotton spinner of Manchester
1826	Mar 26	Sarah dau Robert & Sarah Knowles machine maker of Manchester

Search of Ancoats. Parish of Manchester Wesleyan Chapel (commences 1825) (GS 560874) Entry #39 - Christenings

1829

Jun 8

Alice dau of Richard Knowles, overlooker of Ogden Street in the parish of Manchester and of Sarah his wife who was the daughter of James and Alice Rostron born 1 May 1829

Document 7: The Birth of Richard

Unity Chappell, his grandaughter, listed Richard's birth place as Manchester, England on 8 Jul 1787. This was on the original family group sheet that was sent into the LDS temple. The 1841 census contradicts this by saying that he was not born in Lancaster County. In Unity Chappell's temple Record Book, she states that he was born in Malhardalin in the York. On the theory that she meant Malhamdale (parish Kirby Malhamdale) in West Riding, Yorkshire, a letter was sent to the Vicar of Kirkby Malhamdale and he made two searches of his register which showed

Richard Knowels	Son of Ann bapt. 7 July 1787
Richard Knowels	Married Judith Barker on 18.12.1815
Joshua Knowles	Baptized 4.7.1830 son of Richard and Judith Knowles
Septimus Knowles	Baptized 13.8.1827 son of Richard and Judith Knowles

The above Richard and family therefore rejected as our Richard. Is this where Unity got her birth date? Mildred Pearce Morgan said Richard was born in Glouchester. The obituary of Richard says he was 75 years old at death. This makde him born in 1784. Bristol Branch records list Richard as age 58 in 1845. This makes him born in 1787. The 1841 census of Manchester lists Richard as age 50 (means age 50-55). This makes him born 1790-1795.

Document 8: The Birth of Sarah Rostirn

Mildred Pearce Morgan listed her birth as April 22, 1789 in Warrington, Lancashire England. This date and place rejected after research. Unity Chappell wrote in a letter to the genealogical library: "His wife Sarah Roster born at Bradford Yorkshire England." This place also rejected from research. The 1841 census of Manchester states that Sarah was born in the county of Lancashire. The San Francisco cemetery record lists Sarah as 65 years old in 1856 - born 1791. Bristol Branch records lists Sarah as age 53 in 1845 - born 1797. Obituary of Sarah lists her as age 65 in 1856 - born 1791 - also lists Manchester as the place of birth.

Document 9: Marriage of John Knowles to Hannah Webb

The following marriage found at St. Pauls, Portland Square, Bristol England, by Banns in presence of Thomas Knowles and Hannah Reed:

No.	When married	Name and surname	Age	Condition	Rank	Residence at time of marriage	Father's name	Profession of Father
No. 307	March 21, 1841	John Knowles	Full	Batchelor	Cotton spinner	Hill St. St. Paul's	Richard Knowles	Cotton spinner
		Hannah Webb	Minor	Spinster	---------	ditto	Samuel Webb	clothier

Document 10: LDS Membership Card File (GS 41450) This is an alphabetical index to early LDS Church records - not the actual records

Knowles, Richard bapt. 19 Sept 1841 Branch: Manchester, Engl. Conference Mission: British Remarks: Res. 7 Gray Street Book no. 489 p. 16 line 899 Removed to Bristol Ref. Book 488 p. 53 line 947	Knowles, Sarah (daughter) Bapt. 19 Oct 1840 Branch: Manchester, Manchester Conference Mission: British Re. New Street Book 489 p. 46 line 95 Removed to Bristol Book 488, p. 53 line 943	Hannah Knowles Bap. 3 Jan 1842 by Webb and Steal and Richards Res. Lawrence Hill Removed to America Book 109 p. 1a line 28
Knowles, Richard Bapt. 7 Nov. 1841 Branch: Bristol Mission: British Ordination: Deacon Aug. 28, 1843 Remarks - Residence: Lawrence Hill From Manchester Book no. 109 p. 1a line 14 Removed to America Decon of ordination Ref. Book 110 p. 16	Knowles, Thomas Bapt. 13 December 1841 By whom: bapt. Elders Webb and Steel Branch: Bristol Mission: British Ordination: Priest by Elder Rawle 5 Jan. 1845 Remarks: Res. Lawrence Hill Removed to America Book no. 109 p. 1a line 18 Priest ordination Ref. Book 110 p. 34 Teacher ordination Ref. Book 110 p. 3	(from Membership Card File GS 415444) Richard Berry Manchester Branch Ordained Teacher Emigrated Book 488? p. 13 line 248 Ordained Priest? Dec. 3, 1843
Sarah Knowles Bapt. 3 Oct 1841 Branch: Manchester, Manchester Conf. Mission: British Ordination Remarks: Res. Grey Street Removed to Bristol Book No. 489 p. 46 line 900 Rev. Book 488 p. 53 line 948	Knowles, Caroline Bapt. 7 Nov 1841 Branch: Bristol Mission: British Res. Lawrence Hill from Manchester Book no. 109 p. 1a line 16 Removed to America	Sarah Knowles Berry Bap. 7 Nov 1841 Res. Lawrence Hill Rem. To Manchester Book 109 p. 1a line 17
Knowles, Sarah Sen. Bapt. 7 Nov 1841 Branch: Bristol Mission: British Remarks: Res. Lawrence Hill from Manchester Removed to America Book 109 p. 1a line 15	Knowles, John Bapt. Dec 27, 1841 By Webb and Steel Branch: Bristol British Mission Res: Lawrence Hill Removed to America Ref. Book 109 p. 1a line 22

From the member records, it appears that the family joined the Church in Manchester and not long after moved to Bristol. It seems that the family emigrates from Bristol with the exception of Sarah Jr. who returns with her husband to Manchester. Note that several members of the family are missing. Dennis did not join the Church but stays in Manchester. No mention is made of Alice or Margaret - they must have died young.

Document 11: Date of Emmigration for Richard and Sarah

Unity Knowles Chappell gives the date of embarkation from Bristol to New York as 18 May 1845. No source is given. This does not make sense if Sarah Jr. is married on May 25^th, a few days later unless Sarah left behind and did not want the parents to know. Richard and Sarah were on board the Brooklyn when it sailed from New York to San Francisco 4 Feb 1846. Unity claims that Richard and Sarah's daughter Sarah was on the Brooklyn with them.

Document 12: Various Passenger Lists of the Ship Brooklyn

Bancroft, Hubert Howe. History of California. Vol. 5, San Francisco. The History Co., 1886, p. 546: I have three lists of the Mormon immigrants, the most complete of which is that published in the Honolulu Friend, July 1, 1846, as a passenger list on the arrival of the Brooklyn at that port. Another was made before the vessel left N.Y. and is found in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons, vi, 1113; but many changes were made apparently before departure. The third list is one made out by Wm. Glover, Mormons in California, M.S., in 1884, with notes as to what became of the different members. There were probably a few non-Mormon passengers not named in the following list. See a biographic notice of each member in my Pioneer Register and Index….. "Richard Knowles and wife"

The Times and Seasons, Nauvoo, Illinois, 1844, vol. 6, p. 1112-3. (Richard and Sarah Knowles are not listed in this passenger list of the Brooklyn. Undoubtably, they were able to secure passage after the first list was forwarded to Nauvoo.

Glover, William. The Mormons in California, Forward, Notes and and Selected Bibliography by Paul Bailey. Los Angeles, Glen Dawson, 1954, p. 27, 29. "The following are the names of the passengers that went out to California in the Ship Brooklin and that either came to the Salt Lake Valleys or died in the faith in California, also their places of residence as far as I know… 'Richard Knowls (Knowles) died in the faith and wife.'"

Deseret Evening News, Saturday, April 6, 1918. Article by Edwin N. Austin: Historic Trip of Good ship Brooklyn. Austin was on the Ship Brooklyn and gives a passenger list: …Richard Knowels and wife.

Did the daughter Sarah Jr. emigrate with the parents? The family history says yes, the passenger lists of the Brooklyn say no. There is a marriage of Sarah Knowles to Richard Berry in Bristol 25 May 1845, so if the emigration date of the parents is correct, then Sarah Jr. was not on the same ship. Furthermore, her marriage is witnessed by her brother Thomas rather than her father which would usually be the case had he been available. She does turn up, however, in San Francisco but not with a husband, for she married George Torrens 4 May 1862. Sarah Jr. is not listed in the 1852 census of San Francisco, neither in the 1860.

Document 13: The Knowles Property and Places of Residence in San Francisco, California

Wheeler, Alfred. Land Titles in San Francisco: The Laws Affecting the Same with a Synopsis of All Grants and Sales of Land Within the Limits Claimed by the City. San Francisco, Alta California Steam Printing Establishment, Nov. 1, 1852.

No. of lot	Date	Grantor	Grantee	Estate: How conveyed
147	12 Mar 1847	Bryant, Chief Mag.	Richard Knowles	Grant on Petition

A map in the book shows ward numbers and lot numbers but unreadable without a great deal of study. Ward numbers available in San Francisco City Directories.

The obituary of Sarah Knowles lists the residence as 245 Clay Street in San Francisco which is at Torrens Court - still a street in present day San Francisco.

Entries from the San Francisco City Directory:

For 1864	p. 390	Torrens, George, dwl Ns Clay bet Hyde and Larkin
For 1865	p. 432	Torrens, George, contractor, dwl Ns Clay bet Hyde and Larkin
For 1867 and 1868	Same entry
For 1879	p. 858	Torrens, George, real estate, r. 4 Torrens Court, p. 60: Torrens Court, ns Clay bet Hyde and Larkin

 Bancroft, Hulbert Howe. History of California. Vol. 5, San Francisco, The History Co., 1886. p. 676-78: "San Francisco and its buildings before the outbreak of the gold fever in May 1848. In these notes, and the accompaying plan I have attempted to fix the location of the principal buildings of the town… 'Block 11 lot 4 - Richard Knowles '47.'"

The "Plan of San Francisco" below is taken from the Bancroft history and an X has been placed over the original lot. This lot was sold after several years to the Church of England which built a small chapel on the site. Later, a large cathedral was built on the site but it was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. The Episcopal Grace Cathedral was then built up the hill and across the street where it remains today. The Knowles property was sold to an insurance company that built a nice granite-covered building. In the 1960's this building was sold to a vocational school which now uses it. From the original site, the Knowles moved to 245 Clay Street or Torrens Court as it is known today. There are still apartment houses on Torrens Court - not the original, but built after the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Document 14: Land Acquisition in San Francisco, California

Brown, John Henry. Early Days of San Francisco California. Biobooks, October, 1949, p. 127-28: "Most of those whose names are here mentioned, soon after their arrival, purchased fifty vara lots, and built for themselves small, but comfortable homes. Many that were too poor to buy a piece of land were assisted by George McDougal, who would often collect from persons around the hotel twenty-five cents each, and, would then get up a race between three very old men, of the following names: John Kittleman, Captain Kade and Mr. Noles. It would often amount to over three dollars for best man, one-half was given to the first man, and the other half divided between the other two. When the stakes were low, McDougal would often add a dollar or two, out of his own pocket; the money McDougal would lay by for the purchase for each man a fifty vara lot."

Document 15: Census Records of California, 1852

California Census of 1852, County of San Francisco, vol. VI. Copied Under the Direction of the Genealogical Records Committee, D.A.R. of California, 1935. Part #3

Page	Name	Age	Sex	Occupation	Birth	Res.
38	Knowles, Richard	17	M	---------	Eng	Eng
38	" Mrs.	55	F		Eng	Eng

(Notice that Sarah Jr. is not present. There is an obvious error - Richard must be 57, not 17.)

1880 Census of San Francisco, enumerated 1 June 1880, in 6^th District, second side of p. 730:

29 29	Torrens George	w m	58	House owner	Ireland	Ireland	Ireland
	---- Sarah		44	House keeper	England	England	England

(28 people lived at Torrens court - some families, some single, none that look related; wife should be 54 years old)

Document 16: Rebaptism of Richard and Sarah into the Mormon Church

California Historical Society. Quarterly. Vol. 14 (March, 1935) p. 58-73; Also (June, 1935) p. 175-82. "A Mormon Mission to California in 1851; From the Diary of Parley Parker Pratt." p. 72:

Sunday 20^th. Preached at 11 & 3 in a large room. A goodly number of persons out to hear and good attention. At intermission baptized Charles Wesley Wandle and Cyrus Grey, who had fallen into transgression but now came forward, confessing and forsaking their sins. At evening met with the Brethren at the house of Brother Winner. Confirmed the two foregoing persons and called upon the Saints and others to forsake every thing sinful and renew their covenants and help with their prayers, faith, and means, in the work of God giving the privilege to all that wished to be rebaptized. A number became candidates, confessing their sins with a determination to reform.

Monday 21^st. Repared to the water and re-baptized eight persons whose names were as follows:

George K. Winner Richard Knowles

Hanna P. Winner Sarah Knowles

John Phillips Ruth Morey

Jacob Hayes Renalder Mory, a new member

Document 17: Obituaries in California

The Sun (Newspaper) San Francisco, Wednesday Morning, January 23, 1856. Vol. 3 no. 326, page 2, column 4 at bottom:

Died: In this city, on Monday, the 21^st inst., of abcess of liver, Mrs. Sarah Knowles, consort of Richard Knowles, a native of Manchester, Eng., aged 65. The friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend her funeral this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 2 o'clock, P.M. from her residence, 245 Clay Street, without further notice. (Notice that it gives the birth place as Manchester).

Daily Alta California vol. XI #331. San Francisco, Tuesday Morning Nov. 29^th, 1859.

Died in this city, Nov. 28, Richard Knowles, of England, aged 75 years. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, this afternoon, at 2 o'clock, from the First Unitarian Church, Stockton Street, without further invitation.

 Document 18: Place of Burial of Richard and Sarah

San Francisco Death records 1848-1863 (GS 844,447):

1^st cemetery the Yerba Buena Cemetery - When full: In 1854 a body of citizens procured a tract of land not far from the foot of a lofty hill know as Lone Mountain, which suggested the name for the cemetery. Lone Mountain cemetery was dedicated in May 30, 1854. The name was changed to Laurel Hill Cemetery in the year 1867.

Name	Where born	Date of death	Age	Cemetery, grave tier and plot
Knowles, Frank	England	1861	44	Lone Mt., lot of Ellen Moon
Knowles, Richard	England	1859	75	Lone Mt. G#4 T.23, Chain plot
Knowles, Sarah	England	1856	65	Lone Mt.

(no page numbers in the above records - names in aphabetical order. Frank Knowles does not known to be related)

 Burial Records 1850-1862. N. Gray and Co. Undertakers (GS Q979.461/s1; V28m) vol. 7 p. 107:

Sarah Knowles - England - 65 years - 21 January 1856 - S.F. Stone Mountain Cemetery

Laurel Hill Cemetery was moved to Colma, California. A letter to the Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association, Colma, San Mateo County, California 94014 produced the following: Richard Knowles who died on November 29, 1859 and Sarah Knowles on Jan 21, 1856 are interred in Cripts 314 and 314 respectively. Visitors today see a large grassy noll where all the California Pioneers are buried from the Laurel Hill Cemetery. A large granite shaft stands over the spot and a large plaque explains the fight to relocate the cemetery and San Francisco became more urban and land close to city center became increasingly valuable. No individual pioneers are listed at the site, but the records of all are kept in the Cemetery office (1998).

Document 19: Marriage of Richard Berry and Sarah Knowles (jr.)

Registration District: Bristol: 1845 Marriage solemnized at the Parish Church of St. Philip and Jacob in the County of Bristol. No. 318. Married May 25, 1845 - Richard Berry and Sarah Knowles - both of minor age - he a bachelor, she a spinster - he a baker - both resided at St. Philp at the time of the marriage. Fathers: John Berry a gardner and Richard Knowles a foreman at cotton facotry. - Married in the Parish Church according to the rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church by me S. E. Day, Vicar. This marriage was solemnized between us, Richard Berry and Sarah Knowels in the presence of us, Samuel Gentle and Henry Naish. Certificate MA999360 issued 14 Nov 1972. [This marriage takes place after Unity Chappell's emmigration date for Richard and Sarah, Unity says that Sarah jr. was on board ship with her parents but she is not listed on the passenger list of the ship Brooklyn, she is not in the 1852 census of San Francisco, and not rebaptized with her parents in 1851. She must have come to San Francisco after 1852.]