Person:William Knight (367)

BIOGRAPHY: Publications of the Rhode Island Historical Society New Series - Volume II 1894 - Page 89 William Knight was born in Providence, July 27, 1828, and died there October 22, 1893. He belonged to a family most favorably known in the annals of the city and State. He was the son of Thomas and Betsey (Fenner) Knight. Early deprived of a mother's care, he spent several years with relatives in the country. Having to depend on his own efforts, his school privileges were limited to the old Summer-Street Grammar School, which was where the public High School is now situated. He acquired his earliest training for a business career in the Merchants National Bank. His first official position was as cashier in the Butchers and Drovers Bank, which position he maintained with honor and success for nearly twenty-six years. During that period weighty responsibilities devolved on him. His judgment and integrity stood the test to which they were subjected. He discharged his duties in a way to reflect credit on the institution in whose service he had enlisted. Mr. Knight was married first to Miss Emeline, daughter of Benjamin Wood, by whom he had three daughters, two of whom survive him. After her death he was married to Mrs. (widow) Sarah C. H. Day, who survives him. His usefulness as a man extended far outside his business career into spheres of active beneficence, where his chosen companions cordially cooperated with him. He was from early life to the close a consistent member of a Christian church. He became a member of this Society in 1890, and manifested interest in its usefulness and prosperity.

CENSUS: 1860 United States Federal Census Name: William Knight Age in 1860: 32 Birth Year: abt 1828 Birthplace: Rhode Island Home in 1860: Providence Ward 6, Providence, Rhode Island Gender: Male Post Office: Providence Household Members: Name Age William Knight 32 Emeline E Knight 30 Elizabeth W Knight 8 Helen Knight 7 Clara M Knight 4 Thomas Knight 70 Margaret Brady 24 Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Providence Ward 6, Providence, Rhode Island; Roll: M653_1209; Page: 279; Image: 304.

1870 United States Federal Census Name: William Knight Estimated birth year: abt 1828 Age in 1870: 42 Birthplace: Rhode Island Home in 1870: Providence Ward 7, Providence, Rhode Island Race: White Gender: Male Post Office: Providence Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Providence Ward 7, Providence, Rhode Island; Roll: M593_1479; Page: 250; Image: 500.

1880 United States Federal Census Name: William Knight Home in 1880: Providence, Providence, Rhode Island Age: 52 Estimated birth year: abt 1828 Birthplace: Rhode Island Relation to head-of-household: Self (Head) Spouse's name: Emeline E. Father's birthplace: Rhode Island Mother's birthplace: Rhode Island Occupation: Treasurer In Bank Marital Status: Married Race: White Gender: Male Household Members: Name Age William Knight 52 Emeline E. Knight 50 Clara M. Knight 24 Edward A. Potter 28 Helen R. Potter 26 Hanora Leary 29 Roby A. Paine 52 Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Providence, Providence, Rhode Island; Roll: T9_1212; Family History Film: 1255212; Page: 327.4000; Enumeration District: 20; .