KNOWLES PROGENITOR BIOGRAPHIES
EDWIN
KNOWLES (1846 - 1902)
from Knowles Progenitor -
Unknown
Edwin Knowles, Theatrical Manager and Old-Time Actor
(based on research by Robert B. Noles from public sources)
Research in Progress
Edwin Knowles, the Actor (1846 - 1902)
s/o
s/o
s/o
Knowles Progenitor: RI Pro #01 - Henry Knowles (b
1609) ??
OBITUARY
New York Times, April 15, 1902
DEATH OF EDWIN KNOWLES 1846-1902 (Rhode Island, New York)
Theatrical Manager and Old-Time Actor Succumbs to Paralysis in Brooklyn.
Edwin Knowles, who was one of the best known theatrical managers and old-time
actors in the country, died at 6 o'clock last evening of paralysis at his home,
868 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, after a long illness. The funeral services will
be held at the residence tomorrow afternoon. The remains are to be cremated.
Edwin Knowles was born in Providence, RI, fifty-six years ago. When sixteen
years old, he went to work as a reporter on The Providence Evening Telegram. In
1867 he began his theatrical career as an actor in the old New York Theatre. He
continued before the footlights for fifteen years, appearing at different times
with Lester Wallack, Lawrence Barrett, Fanny Davenport, Mary Anderson, and other
famous actors and actresses. He first became a manager in 1882 when, with the
late Col. Theodore Morris as a partner, he assumed control of The Grand Opera
House in Elm Place, near Fulton Street, Brooklyn.
Six years later he opened the Amphion Theatre on Bedford Avenue in the Eastern
District of Brooklyn. Mr. Knowles in 1891 became associated with Daniel Frohman
and Al Hayman as Edwin Knowles and Co., and opened the Columbia Theatre on
Washington Street, Brooklyn. Some time later Mr. Knowles leased the Fifth Avenue
Theatre in Manhattan from Henry Miner. He continued in the management of this
house for two years, when F.F. Proctor secured control of it. Since that time,
Mr. Knowles has been associated with F. C. Whitney in the presentation of
various theatrical productions.
Mr. Knowles was a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Brooklyn Lodge of
Elks, the Brooklyn Club, the Players' Club, and Edwin Forrest Lodge No. 2,
Actors Order of Friendship. He was also prominent in the Actors' Fund. He is
survived by his wife, his father, four sisters, and a brother.
