Person:Osman Knight (6)

BIOGRAPHY: BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW This Volume Contains Biographical Sketchs of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County Massachusetts 1896 Pages 303 - 304

Osman E. Knight, a well-known farmer of Huntington, was born in Norwich, Mass., March 13, 1837, son of Whitman and Harriet (Park) Knight.

  Mr. Knight's great-grandfather was born in Norwich, Conn., and settled in the village of Norwich, Mass., where he followed farming. He had a son Samuel, who was the grand-father of Osman E., Samuel Knight was born in Norwich, Mass., February 11, 1771. He married a Miss Wigat, and they had ten children. Of these Whitman Knight, born May 19, 1798, was a wagon-maker; and he followed that trade besides operating a saw-mill and a grist-mill. He also engaged in agriculture successfully, and became a prominent man in the community. He was a Whig in politics, and served as Town Treasurer. He was also Postmaster of Norwich for over twenty years. He was an attendant  of the Congregational church. Whitman Knight died December 20, 1867. His wife was born in Norwich, Mass,  August 31, 1808, daughter of Levi Park, whose wife was Esther Hannum in her maidenhood. Mr. Park cleared and improved the farm which Mr. Knight now owns and occupies, and resided there until his death. Mrs. Whitman Knight was the mother of five children, as follows: Angeline, deceased, who married E. T. Crosby; Julia A., deceased, who married  Solomon L. Warner; Charles W., deceased, who married Lydia Leonard; Osman E., the subject of this sketch; and Samuel Henry, deceased who married Laura Greenwood. The mother died August 15, 1867

  Osman E. Knight grew to manhood in Norwich and assisted his father in carrying on the mills. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time; but after his father's death he took charge of the home farm, and has since been engaged in agriculture, milling, etc. He devotes considerable time to dairying, and raises some excellent stock. Aside from farming he operates a saw-mill and carries on a repair shop. Mr. Knight is a Republican in politics, and has always maintained an active interest in local questions. He has be Postmaster of Norwich since 1868.

  Mr. Knight has been twice married. The first occasion was on June 15, 1862, when he was united to Ann M. Smith, born in Norwich in 1839, daughter of Horace and Martha (Perry) Smith. She was the mother of three children, namely: Adele, wife of J.B. Lyman, of Norwich; Gertrude J., wife of Marshal Smith, a farmer of Chesterfield, Mass.; and Frank, who died young. She died January 10, 1871. On August 10 of the same year he wedded Mrs. Mary Miller, of Holyoke, Mr. And Mrs. Knight have two childred, namely: Lillian, who died at the age of five years; and William O., who was born May 30, 1876, and resides at home. Both parents are members of the Congregationa church.

CENSUS: 1870 United States Federal Census Name: Osman Knight Estimated birth year: abt 1837 Age in 1870: 33 Birthplace: Massachusetts Home in 1870: Huntington, Hampshire, Massachusetts Farmer Race: White Gender: Male Post Office: Southampton Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Huntington, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: M593_621; Page: 253; Image: 48.

1880 United States Federal Census Name: O. E. Knight Home in 1880: Huntington, Hampshire, Massachusetts Age: 43 Estimated birth year: abt 1837 Birthplace: Massachusetts Relation to head-of-household: Self (Head) Spouse's name: Mary D. Father's birthplace: Massachusetts Mother's birthplace: Massachusetts Neighbors: View others on page Occupation: Farmer Marital Status: Married Race: White Gender: Male Household Members: Name Age O. E. Knight 43 Mary D. Knight 41 Adel E. Knight 14 Gertrude J. Knight 12 Wm. O. Knight 5 Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Huntington, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T9_537; Family History Film: 1254537; Page: 135.3000; Enumeration District: 331; Image: 0271.

1900 United States Federal Census Name: Oscar E Knight Home in 1900: Huntington, Hampshire, Massachusetts Age: 63 Estimated birth year: abt 1837 Birthplace: Massachusetts Relationship to head-of-house: Head Spouse's name: Mary D Race: White Occupation:Farmer Household Members: Name Age Oscar E Knight 63 Mary D Knight 60 William O Knight 24 Source Citation: Year: 1900; Census Place: Huntington, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T623 654; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 627.

1910 United States Federal Census Name: Osman E Knight Age in 1910: 73 Estimated birth year: abt 1837 Birthplace: Massachusetts Relation to Head of House: Head Father's Birth Place: Massachusetts Mother's Birth Place: Massachusetts Spouse's name: Mary D Home in 1910: Huntington, Hampshire, Massachusetts Marital Status: Married Race: White Gender: Male Household Members: Name Age Osman E Knight 73 Mary D Knight 70 William O Knight 32 Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Huntington, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_594; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 692; Image: 67.