Andy and Don page 2

 Andy and Don page 2 by ric gustafson

Jesse Donald Knotts was born on July 21 1924. Home for Don was in Westover West Virginia. Across the Monongahela River was Morgantown. By 1924, the family moved to Morgantown. Don was named for his father William Jesse Knotts. Don's father bought derelict farms, fixed them up and then sold them. When William Knotts health began to decline, Don's mother Elsie had to tend to the family's finances. 

After Don was born, the family had to move in town. Don, being the youngest of their children, had a bleak childhood. Don's father William resented his youngest son for taking away his wife's attention. Don was afraid of his father. William Knotts was twice confined to a state mental hospital.

Compared to his father, Don adored his mother Elsie. To Don, his mother was a saint compared to his father. Don loved his older brother Shadow. He was a natural comedian and always made Don laugh. Don's brother Bill was 17 years older and already on his own. Don's brother Ralph ran away from home, married and already had a child. 

Don loved his Uncle Lawrence. He owned a barbershop. He would cut Don's hair for free. Don's father Jesse Knotts died in 1937 at age 55.

research help: ' Andy and Don' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric