The death of the late Colonel McKnight on June 4, 1901,
removed from Macoupin County, Illinois, a citizen who was distinguished
during the Civil War, who was notable in successful business enterprises
after its close, and who was prominent in State military affairs until the
end of his long and useful life. Girard, his chosen place of residence,
benefitted by his influence and public spirit, and held him as an honored
citizen.
Colonel McKnight was a native of Scottville, Macoupin
County, born January 6, 1844, the youngest of a family of 10 children. His
parents were natives of Virginia, who settled in Green County, Illinois, in
1830, removing to Macoupin County prior to the birth of our distinguished
subject, and settling at Girard in 1859, where the mother died in 1864, and
the father in 1868. His education was that afforded by the public schools,
and he entered upon a business career in 1861, as a clerk in a mercantile
establishment at Girard, where there was every chance for advancement. The
stirring events of the times aroused in his breast the loyal sentiments
which marked his whole after life, and in August, 1862, he offered his
services to his country, enlisting as a private in Company H, 122nd Reg.,
Illinois Vol. Inf., in which he was made 1st sergeant through personal
popularity. On December 30 following, he was promoted to a 2nd lieutenancy,
and rapid promotion followed. His whole career, extending to the closing
scenes of the war, shows a fidelity to duty and a loyal faithfulness in all
times of stress and danger, very remarkable in a youth not yet out of his
teens. This unusual development of manliness and reliability caused his
frequent selection for positions involving great responsibility. In 1863 he
was made aid-de-camp on the staff of Colonel Mercer, but as the duties were
not congenial, at his own request he was relieved and rejoined his regiment
at Paducah, Kentucky, where he served as an inspector on the staff of
Colonel Hicks, commander of the post. He participated in the repulse of
General Forrest on Fort Anderson, in March, 1864 and afterward served as
provost marshal of Paducah. In December, 1864, he was appointed aid-de-camp
on the staff of General Garrard; took part in the battle of Nashville, in
December following, and for gallant services during the campaign against the
city of Mobile was promoted to captain by brevet by the President. In July,
1865, he was mustered out of a service which he had adorned.
Successful on the field, Colonel McKnight soon showed his capacity in
private life and ere long was numbered with the prospering business men of
Girard. In 1867 he entered into partnership with Barnabas Boggess, A. A.
Cooper and John F. Holden, in a mercantile business, which expanded until it
was deemed judicious by the company to open up a branch at Taylorville.
Colonel McKnight took charge at this point in April, 1870, and retained
management until the partnership was dissolved. He continued in business at
Taylorville until March, 1882, when he transferred his interests to Girard,
where he continued active for some years.
All his life, Colonel
McKnight was a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party
and had a wide and intimate acquaintance with its prominent men, among these
being the late President McKinley and exGovernor Fifer of Illinois. He was
appointed aid-de-camp on the staff of the latter during his administration
and served in the same capacity on the staff of the late Governor Tanner,
with the rank of colonel, and was one of two Republicans, retained on the
staff of Governor Altgeld. He served four years as captain of Company B, 5th
Regiment Illinois National Guard.
In 1892 he was chosen without
opposition as minority candidate for Representative in the 38th General
Assembly, and during his term of membership was on the following committees:
steering, railroads, county and township organization, live stock and
dairying, claims, retrenchment and senatorial apportionment. He was one of
the delegates who nominated the late President McKinley. Colonel McKnight
was also past commander of Luke Mayfield Post, G. A. R., and was a
representative from Illinois to the National Encampment at Boston. In 1893
he was again selected as a delegate to the annual gathering of the defenders
of the Union. He was an aid-de-camp on the staffs of both Generals Veazey
and Palmer.
In May, 1866, Colonel McKnight was married to Virginia
A. Boggess, who is a daughter of the late Barnabas Boggess, and the children
of this union were; Walter, deceased; Emma P.; and Robert Wade, who is
postmaster at Girard.
Colonel McKnight was taken ill several months
prior to his decease, and spent some time at Hot Springs, Arkansas, in the
hope of relief, but despite all that medical science could do, he passed
away shortly after his return to his home in Girard. The announcement of his
funeral brought friends from all the neighboring towns and villages and
messages of condolence to his afflicted family, from many States. The
interment was under the auspices of the Knights of Pythias and the Grand
Army of the Republic, both organizations holding him in the highest esteem.
Gen. John I. Rinaker of the latter organization, who was colonel of the
122nd Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf., delivered an address which will never be
forgotten by those who heard- his glowing tributes to his friend and
comrade, in which he testified to his bravery as a soldier and to his
personal worth as a citizen, husband and father. The Knights of Pythias
placed upon their records the following resolutions which we' are permitted
to append:
"Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe to call from our midst our worthy brother, Sargeant McKnight, an
honored, faithful and untiring worker in our noble order, the founder of
Hiawatha Lodge and its first Chancellor Commander and first representative
to the Grand Lodge, who departed this life on June 4, 1901, and
"Whereas, While we must yield in humble submission to the divine decree, yet
through the misty veil of earth's sorrows and tears, we mourn the death of
one who was ever true to the teachings of Friendship, Charity and
Benevolence. Therefore,
"Resolved, That in the death of brother
Sargeant McKnight, Hiawatha Lodge, No. 124, Knights of Pythias, has lost an
invaluable member, the family an affectionate husband and father, the
community. State and nation a useful citizen and gallant soldier, one whom
the people and those in authority delighted to honor, and
"Resolved,
That while we keenly feel the loss of our esteemed brother, we tender the
family our sincere sympathy in their sad bereavement. Be it further
"Resolved, That we furnish his family with a copy of these resolutions, and
that they be placed on our records, also a copy be furnished each of our
city papers for publication. Be it further
"Resolved, That our
Charter be draped in mourning for a period of thirty days as a token of
respect for our departed brother."
This is signed by the committee:
Frank G. Wood, C. W. Birzele and P. O. Wells.
Col. Sargeant McKnight
was a high minded, loyal hearted, generous man, and his memory will not only
be cherished and kept green by his devoted family and by the thinning ranks
of the old army veterans, but also by the citizens of his State and county,
as one of the best representatives of their manhood, patriotism,
intelligence and integrity.
Extracted 2018 May 07 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 265-268.
Macoupin County ILGenWeb Copyright
Design by
Templates in Time
This page was last updated
07/01/2022