(I) Rev. John Knowles, immigrant ancestor, was born in Lincolnshire, England, and educated at Magdalen College. He came to New England about 1636 and was admitted to the church as a “studyent” in Lynn, August 25, 1639; was dismissed to the church at Watertown and ordained colleague pastor, November 10, 1640; was a godly man and prime scholar; was selected to accompany Mr. William Thompson to Virginia in the effort to plant churches of the New England type there. He returned from Virginia to Watertown and finally to England. He sold land to the Iron Works Company at Lynn, October 24, 1651. He was living in Bristol, England, March 30, 1655, when he sold more land at Lynn. He married Elizabeth . Children: Richard (according to good authority), mentioned elsewhere; Mary, born April 9, 1641; Elizabeth, May 15, 1643; Hannah, married Benjamin Eyres.
