The following is from a work-in-progress about the history of Fullerton. You can support my ongoing research and writing on Patreon.
O.V. Knowlton was born in Pennsylvania in 1848, the son of Charles and Cornelia Knowlton. When he was only three weeks old his father was murdered. In 1851 his mother took him to Illinois. She died in 1854 and O.V. was left with his uncle.
In 1863 he enlisted in the Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, serving in the Army of the West in the Civil War. In 1865, he fought in a campaign against the plains Indians, helping to build the first stockades across the plains so Butterfield stage coaches could pass through Indian country.
In 1866, he went to work in the oil fields of Pennsylvania, and worked there for seven years. After that, he worked in the building business in Illinois, Kansas, and Nebraska.
In 1886 he moved to California, where he worked in contracting in Anaheim and purchased five acres in Fullerton which he planted with Valencia oranges.
He served as commander of the Southern California Veterans Association, and as state mortuary officer for Orange County for 18 years.
He married, Julia A. Huntington, a teacher. They had five children: Charles, Avis, Kent, Hollis, and Ruth.
Julie passed away In 1901.
He was a Republican. Knowlton passed away in 1928. He is buried at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton.
Fullerton History 