Richard Knowles was born about 1615. He was a surveyor of highways from 1669 to 1670 in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts. He died after 1670 in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts. He was a shipmaster. He was married to Ruth Bowers on 15 Aug 1639 in Plymouth Colony.

Ruth Bowers was born in 1616 in England. She died in 1687 in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts. Children were:

i. John Knowles was born in Plymouth Colony. He was slain by the Indians on 3 Jun 1675 in Taunton, Bristol Co., Massachusetts.
ii. Mercy Knowles.
iii. James Knowles was born on 17 Nov 1648 in Cambridge, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. He died before 10 Oct 1678.
iv. Ruth Knowles was born on 3 Nov 1657 in Plymouth, Plymouth Co., Massachusetts. She died on 28 Aug 1714 in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts.
v. Samuel Knowles was born on 17 Sep 1651 in Plymouth, Plymouth Co., Massachusetts. He died on 19 Jun 1737 in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts. He was buried in Old Cemetery, Orleans, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts. He was a representative in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts.
vi. Mehitable Knowles was born on 20 May 1653 in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts.
vii. Barbara Knowles was born on 28 Sep 1656 in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts. She died on 23 Feb 1714/15 in Eastham, Barnstable Co., Massachusetts.