The Valley of Heart's Delight
HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY 511
SURNAMES; STONE, HART, WALLINE, MASCALL,
It is a widely acknowledged fact that the most important work to which
a man can direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it be from
the pulpit, from the lecture platform or in the schoolroom. It is in
youth that the life of a man is marked out, his future course decided
and his choice as to good or evil made, and to the work of instructing
the young, Tully Cleon Knoles is devoting his time, energies and
thought. A native of Petersburg, Ill., he was born January 6, 1876. His
father, Thomas Stone Knoles, was a native of Illinois, born in Menard
County, whither his parents had come from Indiana in 1847. After
completing his early education, he began reading law and was admitted
to the bar, becoming well known and active in the profession. He is a
direct descendant of Thomas Stone, a native of the state of Maryland,
whose signature appears on the Declaration of Independence. His mother
before her marriage was Miss Laura Ellen Hart, a native of Illinois,
and the mother of four children at the time the family removed to the
Pacific Coast in 1887; locating near Ontario, where four more children
were born. She traces her ancestry back to John Hart of Virginia, who
was also present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and
affixed his signature to the famous document. Some of the progenitors
of these families were prominent in the history of early colonial days
and have always been stanch and true American patriots. After the
removal of the family to the Pacific Coast, the father continued his
practice of law and marked ability at Ontario and later at Los Angeles,
where in 1902 the family removed.
The preliminary education of Tully Cleon Knoles was obtained in the
public schools of Ontario. In 1895 he graduated from the preparatory
school of Chaffee Academy, thereafter entering the University of
Southern California, taking a ministerial course, and becoming a
student-pastor at San Pedro, Cal. soon after entering the
college. He received his A.B. degree in 1903; his A.M.
degree in 1908, and degree of D. D. in 1919. During the years he was
perfecting his education, he was active in the ministry. In 1903 he was
selected as assistant professor of history in the University of
Southern California, serving in this capacity until 1908, when he
became the head of the history department. In 1919 he was unanimously
chosen as the head of the College of the Pacific, the oldest
institution of learning in California, which is, at the present time,
enjoying a period of prosperity unsurpassed by any other college in the
state, and to Doctor Knoles is accorded the credit of the increasing
popularity and success of the college. During the World War he toured
the Pacific Coast states in behalf of the Liberty and Victory Loan
drives; and his excellency as a "four-minute" speaker was
unexcelled by any one.
The marriage of Dr. Knoles occurred August 23, 1899, united him with
Miss Emily Walline, a daughter of Peter and Jennie (Mascall) Walline,
residents of Upland, Cal. Her father was a native of Sweden, coming to
America and settling in Illinois when but a young man. His industry and
thrift brought him a handsome fortune, although he had only the
opportunity to acquire but a meager education. After his retirement, he
traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. While on
a tour of the country in February, he was stricken and passed away at
Escondido, Cal., February 6, 1921.
Doctor and Mrs. Knoles are the parents of eight children;
Lorraine Isabel, a graduate of the Liberal Arts course of the College
of the Pacific, June 22, 1921; Dorothy Anne, a student of the
department of music, College of the Pacific; Peter Walline and Edith
Ayleen, twins, are the graduates of College Park Academy with the class
of June, 1921, and now attend the College of the Pacific; George
Herman, Gordon Elbert, Tully Cleon, Jr., are students, and Leslie Gay.
All the children were born in Los Angeles.
Politically, Doctor Knoles is a democrat of the staunchest party
loyalty, casting his ballot for the democratic presidential nominee
since becoming of age. Fraternally he is a Mason, being active in the
social life of the organization. He is a member of the board of
directors of the Rotary Club of San Jose. He, with his family, are
affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the
board of education of his denomination, and is a director representing
the southern Pacific states in collaboration with the national
membership meeting held annually in the month of December in New York
City.
During Doctor Knoles' attendance at the University of Southern
California, he was active in athletics, being awarded four stars for
football, baseball and track work. No doubt this experience has served
to increase his popularity with the student body of the college of
which he is the worthy and congenial head. Doctor Knoles is a profound
thinker, making a deep and careful study of the questions of the day.
Much of his time is spent in lecturing on European history and
government, as well as the growth of the American nation, and his
lectures have served to enlighten the public along these lines. On
March17, 1921, he spoke before the San Jose Chamber of Commerce forum
on the subject the "Third Internationale" which required fourteen
months in preparation, gathering facts and material, which proved to be
both interesting and educational. In speaking of Karl Marx' "Dos
Kapital," Doctor Knoles said "Thanks God, there has never been a
condition in America out of which class consciousness might be
developed." His entire life work has been of a constructive character,
being actuated by a spirit of advancement in all that he does. Doctor
Knoles and his family are widely and favorably known throughout the
community, enjoying the warm regard of all with whom they have been
associated.
Transcribed by Marie Clayton, from Eugene T. Sawyers' History of Santa Clara County,California, published by Historic Record Co. , 1922, page 511
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