Liberty Washington Knowles

http://www.kknfa.org/Knowles_Liberty_1784.htm

Eleazer's son, Liberty Knowles, was born in that part of old Woodbury now known as Southbury, November 5, 1784. Liberty Knowles lived his boyhood in Greeneville; was graduated at Williams college; served his law clerkship with Dorance Kirtland, at Coxsackie; was admitted to practice in the supreme court in 1809, and in the same year became a resident of Potsdam, Saint Lawrence County, New York. In 1811, Liberty Knowles erected a dwelling on the east side of Market Street, now at the head of Depot street, in which he resided until his death, on January 7, 1859.

In 1812, at Richmond, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Liberty Knowles married Melinda "Lydia", daughter of Paul Raymond and Rachel Stevens, of whom it is said, there is not too much to say; e.g., “she opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue was the law of kindness.” Melinda was known as helping friend to all in need.

Before middle life, impaired health compelled Liberty Knowles to relinquish a successful law practice. He turned to agriculture, took part in the early experimental building with Potsdam sandstone, engaged in manufacture in the village and upon Grasse river, and was ever ready to lead or follow in whatever would promote the prosperity of the village or the county. The very large elms of Market and Elm streets were his planting, reluctantly permitted along streets, newly cleared of forest.

The Potsdam town history places Liberty Knowles among the earliest to organize and maintain religious and educational institutions. Among denominations, he was Presbyterian; politically, a Federalist, a Whig, and anti-slavery when the name subjected one to insult. Thirty years or more Liberty Knowles was the presiding officer of the board of trustees of Saint Lawrence Academy; he was among the most munificent donors in establishing that institution; and, whenever additional funds were required, was among the ready and generous to respond. The Saint Lawrence Academy instructors ever found him a kind friend and wise advisor, and many of its pupils were by him aided in an education which otherwise they could not have attained.

See photo of Liberty Knowles House, Potsdam, N.Y. at [http://history.nnyln.net/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/ppm&CISOPTR...]