Acton Memorial Library
Civil War Archives

DIED IN HIS 87TH YEAR
Franklin R. Knowlton
was Prominent Citizen
of W. Acton

Acton- Franklin R. Knowlton, highly respected prominent citizen of this town, died Sunday at his home in West Acton in his 87th year. He was one of three last survivors of Isaac Davis Post G.A.R. of which he was a past commander and was adjutant at the time of his death.
    Mr. Knowlton was born in Swanville, Me., March 2, 1847, the son of Zamasa and Olive H. Knowlton. He enlisted in the Union army at the age of 16 years and saw heavy service with the First Maine Heavy Artillery. His principal engagements were at Cold Harbor, North Anna River and the siege of Petersburg. On May 22, 1879 he was married to Emma Susan Hosmer who died n 1897. There were six children, all living except Harold who died in 1912. Mr. Knowlton was married to Miss Ellen H. Hall in 1903 and she survives him.
    Mr. Knowlton was a resident of Acton for 60 years. He was a manufacturer of cigars most of his life and built up a large business. He was a life member of the Trustees of Acton Memorial Library and was a member of the First Baptist church.
    For the past twenty years he had spent the winters at his home in St. Petersburg, Fla.
    The funeral was held this afternoon with services at the home conducted by Rev. Arthur Jeffries, pastor of the Baptist church. The home was filled to capacity with townspeople who came to pay a last tribute to the deceased and to tender their sympathy o the bereaved family. There was an abundance of beautiful floral tributes. Burial was in the family lot in Mt. Hope cemetery.