Knowlton was born to a military family on November 22, 1740 in West Boxford, Massachusetts. When he was eight, his family moved to a farm in Ashford, Connecticut. His first run into action was when he enlisted as a private in Colonel Phineas Lyman’s Connecticut regimen during the time of the Seven Year's War, during which he joined his brother Daniel in battle. He later joined many other groups. He was apparently a very active person, and instead of strength, he preferred activity.
He also got married. On April 5, 1759, he married the Ashford woman Anna Keyes and bought a new farm. Together, they raised nine children, and his sixteen- year old son Frederick would join him in battle during the American Revolution.
His life would end in a huge battle between the Americans and the British: The Battle of Harlem Heights. General Washington, who would later become America's first President, commanded Knowlton and the Rangers to scout the British and possibly lure them into battle. While the battle was considered a success, the Americans faced huge casualties, including Knowlton himself (who had been shot in the back).
He also got married. On April 5, 1759, he married the Ashford woman Anna Keyes and bought a new farm. Together, they raised nine children, and his sixteen- year old son Frederick would join him in battle during the American Revolution.
His life would end in a huge battle between the Americans and the British: The Battle of Harlem Heights. General Washington, who would later become America's first President, commanded Knowlton and the Rangers to scout the British and possibly lure them into battle. While the battle was considered a success, the Americans faced huge casualties, including Knowlton himself (who had been shot in the back).