by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, May 2025

George Washington Knowles was born on May 7, 1866, in Key West, Florida John Thomas KNOWLES (1803-1891 Bahamas) and Hannah Elizabeth PRANCE (1814-1866)

Family lore (not verified): George Washington’s biological parents are John Thomas Knowles and Hannah Elizabeth Prance. His mother died 20 days after giving birth to George. Infant George was adopted and raised by George’s brother, Justin and his wife, Jane Ann HOPKINS.

SIBLINGS

  • Sarah Ann was born on December 15, 1836, in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas.
  • James Alexander was born on August 5, 1839, in Long Island, Bahamas.
  • Sophia Lavina was born on November 30, 1842, in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas.
  • Oscar Washington was born in 1845 in Long Island, Bahamas.
  • Justin Everett was born on January 8, 1847, in Long Island, Bahamas.

In 1870, George lived with Justin and Jane in Key West where Justin worked as a farmer. 

In 1885, George lived with Justin & Jane Knowles on Watson St in Key West, Florida. George worked as a cigarmaker.

MARRIAGE

George Washington Knowles married Juliette Russell in 1888 when he was 22 years old. Juliette had a previous marriage to Thomas Albury 30 Dec 1880 and had one son with him, Thomas Albury, Jr.

Juliette RUSSELL Knowles

CHILDREN

  • Myrtle Louise was born on March 17, 1890, in Key West, Florida.
  • Lillian Louise was born in June 1891 in Key West, Florida.
  • Walter Preston was born on November 3, 1894, in Key West, Florida.
  • Hilary Charles was born on October 24, 1898, in Key West, Florida.
  • Miriam Antionette was born on November 22, 1901, in Key West, Florida.
  • Juliette was born on February 22, 1904, in Key West, Florida.
  • Alfred Earl was born in 1909 in Florida.

In 1900, George and Juliette lived at 402 Parker Street in Key West, Florida. 

In 1910, George and Juliette lived at 1212 Packer St in Key West, Florida.

In 1920, the family lived at 1225 Royal St in Key West, Florida. George worked as a cigarmaker.

In 1930, George and Juliette still lived with their son, Alfred at 1225 Royal St

His wife Juliette passed away on February 7, 1949, in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 84. They had been married 61 years.

George Washington Knowles died on December 5, 1949, in Miami, Florida, when he was 83 years old. He was laid to rest in Flagler Memorial Park in Miami, Florida.

SOURCES

1870 United States Federal Census; 1880 United States Federal Census; 1885 United States Federal Census; 1900 United States Federal Census; 1910 United States Federal Census; 1920 United States Federal Census; 1930 United States Federal Census; Florida Death Index, 1877-1998

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP: Consider joining our group for more on Florida Keys History.

FLORIDA EVERGLADES HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP: Consider joining our group for more on Florida Everglades History.