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William Erskine Knowles

1872 – 1951

Canadian politician

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About William Erskine Knowles

Lived 1872 – 1951 (aged 78). William Erskine Knowles was a Canadian politician, judge and lawyer.

William Erskine Knowles (November 28, 1872 – July 17, 1951) was a Canadian politician.

Born in Alliston, Ontario, Knowles was educated at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Ontario. A lawyer by profession, he was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada for the electoral district of Assiniboia West in a by-election held on February 6, 1906. A Liberal, he was re-elected in 1908 and 1911 for the electoral district of Moose Jaw. He did not run in 1917. From 1918 to 1927, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. From 1918 to 1921, he was the Provincial Secretary and from 1919 to 1921 he was the Minister of Telephones. He attempted a federal comeback in the 1921 and 1923 elections but was defeated.

Knowles resigned his seat in the Saskatchewan assembly in 1927 after he was named a judge.

Electoral results (partial)

By-election: On Mr. Scott's resignation to enter provincial politics in Saskatchewan, 29 August 1905.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Positions held
Member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, Member of the House of Commons of Canada

People in William Erskine Knowles's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Erskine Knowles's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Erskine Knowles?

Canadian politician (1872–1951)

When was William Erskine Knowles born?

William Erskine Knowles was born on 28 November 1872 in Alliston.

When did William Erskine Knowles die?

William Erskine Knowles died on 17 July 1951.

What was William Erskine Knowles's occupation?

William Erskine Knowles was a politician, judge and lawyer.

What nationality was William Erskine Knowles?

William Erskine Knowles was Canadian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Erskine Knowles

· Wikidata: Q8008654

· DBpedia: William Erskine Knowles

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Erskine Knowles. https://biography.guide/william-erskine-knowles/

MLA: "William Erskine Knowles." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-erskine-knowles/.

Chicago: "William Erskine Knowles." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-erskine-knowles/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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