Background
James, William Knowles was born on August 20, 1852 in near Georgetown, Delaware, United States. Son of Urias Thomas and Eliza Jane (Knowles) James.
James, William Knowles was born on August 20, 1852 in near Georgetown, Delaware, United States. Son of Urias Thomas and Eliza Jane (Knowles) James.
Central College, Fayette, Missouri: Bachelor of Arts, Yale, 1878.
Admitted to Missouri bar, 1880, and practiced at Saint Joseph. Judge Circuit Court, Saint Joseph, 1898-1902. Member Missouri House of Representatives, 1917-1918.
Active in securing passage of Casey-James Prison Reform Bill, and industrial training of Negroes in Missouri Retired to Hillcrest Farm, Andrew County, 1913.
Elected president International Farm Congress, 1921, reelected 1923, 25. A leader in organizing the Farm Bureau in county, state and nation.
Elected chairman Missouri directors Missouri River Navigation Association, 1925. President Bartlett Agricultural and Industrial School (for Negroes), Dalton, Missouri.
Trustee Young Men's Christian Association, Saint Joseph.
Mason, Odd.
Married Mary Tootle, October 31, 1883. Children: Ellen Tootle, Thomas Tootle (deceased).