From: The McLeansboro Times; May 10, 1923

Obituary

          John W. Knight was born in Christian county, Ky., March 10, 1828.  He departed this life in McLeansboro, Ill., April 22, 1923, age 95 years, 1 month and 12 days.

          He had five brothers and two sisters, one brother, D. H. Knight, and one sister, Mrs. W. D. Putman, both of White Plains, Ky., survive him.

          He moved from Kentucky to Illinois about 1859, and for more than half a century has been a resident of this county.

          John Knight was a good citizen, and that means much.  He was willing to live for his country and if necessary to save it, and its honor, he was willing to die for it.  When the Civil War broke out and the Union was imperiled and his flag fired upon, he was among the first to volunteer and he faithfully served his country during the war until peace was made and he was honorably discharged.  He served in Co. A of the 40th Ill. Volunteers under Col. Hall and was a good soldier.  Returning from the war he faithfully served his country in time of peace by being an industrious, peaceful, honorable and law abiding citizen.

          He made no profession of religion yet he recognized the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.  He served his Creator by serving and helping his fellowmen while God gave him strength to do so.

          When his strength was gone and he could serve no longer he was patient in his affliction.  He had no fears of death, nor worries about the future.  He talked calmly of the future state and seemed to have a blessed assurance that all would be well with him.

        Services conducted at the home of D. H. Knight on Randolph and Pearl streets, by Revs. J. L. Hughey and J. B. Maulding in connection with G.A.R. of which he was a member.  The body was taken to Little Springs where services were held by Revs. J. C. Elliott and T. B. Hunt in the presence of a large congregation of friends with whom he had associated for half a century and more.

*John W. Knight was the son of John Knight and Rachel Hankins Knight.