Hardesty's History of Calhoun County, West Virginia

RUFUS KNOTTS 

     Rufus Knotts, son of Joseph and Mary (Arnold) Knotts, was born 
April 11, 1830, in Jackson County, Virginia, and was living here at 
the time the county was organized, as were his parents. His father is 
now deceased, his death occurring on the 12th of March 1855. 
     In Weston, Lewis County, Virginia, February 2, 1859, Rufus 
Knotts and Matilda H. Flesher were joined in wedlock, and their 
children are seven living, one deceased, born: James, March 13, 1860, 
lives in Augusta, Illinois; Elizabeth J., November 24, 1861, died 
December 29, 1865; William R., July 18, 1863; Mary, December 7, 1865; 
Alice, May 8, 1867; Absalom, August 19, 1868; Annalee, March 28, 
1870; Charles C., August 15, 1874. Matilda H. Flesher was born in 
Weston, Lewis County, April 24, 1832, a daughter of Elijah and Nancy 
(Lewis) Flesher. Her father died in October, 1862. Rufus Knotts 
served three years in the Confederate Army, in Company E, 14th 
Virginia Cavalry, and was in battle at Gettysburg, Williamsport, 
Sheppardstown, Martinsburg, and many others; and was taken prisoner 
and held one year, about ten months of the time at Camp Chase, Ohio. 
     He has been two years justice of the peace, deputy sheriff three 
years, overseer of the poor three years, and for two years has 
represented Calhoun County in the State Legislature. His business is 
farming, and his address is Minnora, Calhoun County, West Virginia.
 
(Linda Fluharty)