My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT McKNIGHT. It has been well said that “the worth of a State, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it.” National progress is determined by the development and advancement of the individual character, and when we consider the sturdy perseverance of the brave men who hewed out a path for the coming civilization, the rapid growth of our country is not so surprising. Among the list of these pioneers properly belongs the name of Mr. McKnight, who though long since passed from the busy scenes of earth, is still remembered affectionately not only by his descendants, but also by all with whom he was familiarly acquainted.

The birthplace of Mr. McKnight was in the Old Dominion, where in Rockbridge County he was born August 7, 1779. There also he was reared and educated. His parents were named respectively John and Mary (Patterson) McKnight, whose personal history will be found in the sketch of Samuel McKnight on another page. In May, 1807, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between him and Miss Elizabeth Fulton, with whom he lived happily for nearly half a century, her death taking place in August, 1854. She was born in Augusta County, Va., to William and Margaret (Lusk) Fulton, her father being a farmer.

Mr. McKnight came to Ohio many years ago, settling in Greene County, east of Spring Valley, where he resided during the remainder of his life, entering into rest February 27, 1856. He was a soldier during the War of 1812 and served his town in various positions, ably filling the offices to which he was elected, and as a private citizen being honorable, upright and industrious. He was the father of three children: Margaret, born May 9, 1808; Mary, April 16, 1810; and James, November 7, 1811.

Miss Margaret McKnight is now the owner of her father’s homestead comprising one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land in Spring Valley Township; the farm is furnished with the usual comforts and conveniences found upon an estate which has been occupied for many years. Although now eighty-two years of age her mental faculties are unimpaired, and she manifests in her person the charm which may be found in old age when the intelligent mind and Christian heart shine forth in the countenance and manner. She is devoted to the interests of the Presbyterian Church, and liberal in her gifts to it and other worthy objects.

Mary, the second child of Robert and Elizabeth McKnight, became the wife of James Lyon. He was born in Rockingham County ,Va., in September, 1805, to John and Catherine (Hook) Lyon, who were early pioneers of Caesar’s Creek, this county. To himself and wife two children were born: Elizabeth J., and Martha C. Elizabeth J. is the wife of William T. Lackey, who was born in Rockbridge County, Va., March 2, 1850, came to Spring Valley, this county, in 1869, and was married April 14, 1887. Mr. Lackey is a son of Isaac and Ann Eliza (Shafer) Lackey, his father being a Virginia farmer and the son of James Lackey, who married a Miss McCampbell. The second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyon, is the wife of William H. Hopping, of this county.

James McKnight, the only son of Robert and Elizabeth (Fulton)McKnight, married Ann McKay, who bore him four children: Lizzie, Robert, Maria, and Susan. Lizzie has been married three times, having two children, James L. and Harper, by her first husband, Benjamin Jones. Maria became the wife of William Lyle and has three children: Clara, Joseph and Mary E. Susan is the wife of Alfred Smith and the mother of three children: Cora M., Maggie O., and William.

The reader will be pleased to notice on another page of this volume a lithographic portrait* of the venerable Miss Margaret McKnight, whose cheerful face and kindly disposition will be affectionately remembered long after she has been called from earth.

*Portrait was included in the original printed volume.