Robert William McKnight (1895)

MCKNIGHT

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 4/24/2008 at 17:01:33

Winterset Madisonian – December 17, 1895
Winterset, Iowa
Page 5

Death of Will McKnight.

R. W. McKnight, known universally here, where he has lived all his life, as Will McKnight, died at his father’s home at seven o’clock this morning, aged thirty-four years. Will’s life for several years past has been a constant struggle with that dread disease, consumption, and although he bore up nobly and exhibited a patience and cheerfulness seldom seen in the face of such a hopeless outlook, yet he has at last had to yield to the inevitable. On several occasions when the family and friends thought that death was at hand, he has rallied his strength and for a time been something like his old self, and it was not until the last particle of his strength was spent and his mind and senses, as well as his body began to fail, that he at last yielded.

Will was born and grew up in this place, where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. McKnight, were among the first settlers. Living here all his life, as a child, boy and man he has been known and loved in the community, and there are many sad hearts in Winterset today. The immediate members of the bereaved family consist of the parents, one brother and three sisters, all of whom are now here except one sister, who lives in Washington.

Will is gone, but the memory which he has left of patience and courage under misfortune, of a kind and friendly disposition and an upright, honorable life shall not be forgotten.

The funeral will be held at the home tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon at two o’clock. The burial service will be under the direction of Evening Star Masonic Lodge, of which Will was a devoted and faithful member.

Winterset Madisonian – December 20, 1895
Winterset, Iowa
Page 3

County and City

The funeral of Will McKnight was held at two o’clock last Wednesday, at the home of his parents, and was attended by as many as could gain admission to the house. The service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ely, assisted by Rev. C. T. McCaughan and Rev. Fred. Harris. After the service the remains were taken in charge by the Masonic lodge, and interred at the cemetery with the burial ceremony of the order.

Winterset Reporter – December 19, 1895
Page 8

Will McKnight Dead.

At about 7 o’clock last Tuesday morning, R. W. McKnight died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. McKnight, in this city. For many months the deceased had suffered with that dread disease consumption, but up to last spring held out against the fates and kept his position as book keeper in the Madison County Bank, a position he faithfully and efficiently occupied for three or four years. He was born in Winterset and lived here all his life. He was noted for his industry and straightforwardness, and leaves an example worthy the emulation of any young man. His parents are among the oldest settlers of this city, and the family name is familiar all over Madison county. Will, was 34 years old at time of death, a young man of promise and hope. His untimely death is a sad bereavement to his father and mother, one brother and three sisters, and falls heavily upon the hearts of all the people in Winterset and scores of others in the county who have known him favorably for years.

Note: Burial was made in the Winterset cemetery.