What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

William McKnight was born on Jan. 13, 1876, in or near New Salem, Menallen Township, near Uniontown, Fayette County, PA, the son of Arthur A. and Elizabeth Jane (McGovern) McKnight. 

William was of medium build and height. He had brown eyes and red hair.

On March 7, 1898, when he was age 22, William eloped to Cumberland, Allegany County, MD to marry his 20-year-old sweetheart Ellen Frances Williams (Oct. 31, 1877-1964), daughter of Robert and Anna (Woodward) Williams of Uniontown, Fayette County. There was no waiting period for couples in Cumberland.

Ellen also went by the names "Eleanor" -- "Ella" -- and "Ellie."

Together, the McKnights produced a large family of eight children -- Catherine Folkens, Robert Williams McKnight, Sarah Jane Puckett, Arthur Austin McKnight, Anna Hester Johnston Bedillion, Lillian Stauffer, Dorothy Elizabeth Walker Wade and Joseph McKnight.

When the federal census was taken in 1910, William and Ella made their home on Washington Road in North Strabane Township, near Canonsburg, Washington County, PA. He had no occupation that year. Living two doors away were William's aged father and sister Mary McKnight, living in the household of Mary's future husband Everett Prewett.

William at the age of 42 was required to register for the military draft during the World War I era. At that time, he disclosed that he was residing in Canonsburg and working as a farmer for Pittsburgh Coal Company.

In 1920, the census record shows that William and Ella and family lived in Canonsburg, with William continuing to work as a farm manager. Also in their residence was William's 74-year-old father, who had been separated from his wife for more than a decade.

Their address in 1924, at the marriage of their son Arthur, was 1030 Arch Street.

The couple separated in about 1925. William then relocated to Ohio while Eleanor stayed in Washington in a house at 1044 Summerlea Avenue. When their 15-year-old daughter wanted to marry two years later, in 1927, Eleanor signed her consent, writing: "Father deserted 2 years ago whereabouts unknown I help daughter to support herself."

William in 1930 resided in the home of his son Robert in Pease, Belmont County, OH. His occupation in 1930 was stated as farm laborer.

Circa December 1949, at the death of his sister Mary Prewett, William was mentioned in the obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald. At that time, he resided in Winkle, Highland County, OH, halfway between Cincinnati and Chillicothe.

Ellen spent her final years in her residence at 156 West Maiden Street in Washington.

After suffering a fracture, she developed a septic infection and bronchial pneumonia and was admitted to Washington Hospital. There, at the age of 86, she succumbed to the angel of death on March 20, 1964. Interment of the remains was in the Washington (PA) Cemetery. Daughter Anne Bedillion was the informant for the official Pennsylvania certificate of death.

William's final residence was in or near the residence of his daughter Sara Jane Puckett in East Danville, Highland County, OH.

As a patient in Brown County Hospital, he died on Sept. 21, 1965, at the age of 89. His burial was made in Hamer Township Cemetery in Highland County, OH. [Find-a-Grave] An obituary in the Hillsboro (OH) Press-Gazette said that the funeral service was officiated by Rev. Westbrook.

~ Daughter Catherine Thompson (McKnight) Folkens ~

Daughter Catherine Thompson McKnight (1898-1991) was born on Dec. 27, 1898 in Uniontown, Fayette County. 

On Sept. 27, 1916, when she was 17 years of age, Catherine was united in the bonds of matrimony with 23-year-old immigrant Albert Bartele Folkens Sr. (1893-1988), a native of Tjerkgaast, Friesland Province, The Netherlands (Holland), and the son of Boyd and Florence (Taconas) Folkens. The wedding took place in Washington County.

Albert and his family had made the voyage to the United States in March 1907, on the ship Potsdam, arriving in Hoboken, NJ. He was age 14 at the time.

The couple resided in Canonsburg and Houston, Washington County, and bore a brood of three children -- Albert B. Folkens Jr., William "Bill" Folkens and Florence Kaufman. 

When the federal census was taken in 1920, Albert and Catherine and son Albert resided on Becker Street in Houston, Washington County. He was employed as a laborer in a tin plate mill. The family has not yet been located on the census of 1930.

Federal census enumeration records for 1940 show the family in North Bethlehem Township, Washington County. Albert's occupation at that time was farming, and his two sons worked as laborers in a steel mill.

Imagine the emotions Albert must have felt when his son Albert Jr. joined the U.S. Army during World War II and took part in the European Theatre campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe. The Allied effort helped drive the Germans out of occupied countries including Albert's native Holland.

In later years, Albert was a farmer at Eighty Four/Scenery Hill in Washington County. They were members of the Pawnee Grange and Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church.

Albert passed away at the age of 95 on Aug. 25, 1988, in Eighty Four. His remains were lowered into rest in Oak Spring Cemetery in Canonsburg. 

Catherine outlived him by three years, and moved into the home of her married daughter Florence in Ohio. She died on June 8, 1991, in Grant Hospital in Columbus, OH, at the age of 93. Her remains were returned to Canonsburg to rest for eternity beside her husband. 

Son Albert Folkens Jr. (1918-2011) was born on June 9, 1918 in Canonsburg. He earned income at the age of 22 in 1940 by working in a local steel mill. At the age of 23, on Oct. 18, 1941, he married Madelyn Risbin (1921-2013), one of 13 children of Thomas J. and Sara Ann (Quinn) Risbin of Marianna, Washington County. Their wedding ceremony was held in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Washington, PA, officiated by Fr. Martin J. Hughes. After World War II broke out less than two months into their marriage, Albert served in the Army in European Theatre campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe, receiving two Bronze Stars. He and Madelyn had two children -- James Folkens and Sara Ann Godley. The family residence in 1947 was at 707 Melrose Avenue in Ambridge, Beaver County. Said the Washington Observer-Reporter, "He was a Bessemer converter operator at A.M. Byers for 34 years and retired from McGraw Edition, Coopers in Canonsburg, where he had worked in the machine shop. [He] was a life member of Baden American Legion Post 641 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 927." After 69 years of marriage, Albert passed away on Jan. 17, 2011, in Canonsburg, at the age of 92. He was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Peters Township, Washington County. Madelyn survived her husband by nearly three years. She died in Washington Hospital on Oct. 12, 2013, at the age of 92.

• Purple Heart medal

  Grandson James Folkens (1947-2021) was born on May 5, 1947 in Sewickley, PA. News of his birth was announced in the Pittsburgh Press. In young manhood James relocated to Coral Gables and circa 1971 was engaged to marry. James joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. During a tour of duty during the Vietnam War, he was with the 101st Airborne Division. He appears to have received a severe wound in the service which left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for life. In recognition of his sacrifice, the Army bestowed him with two Purple Heart and three Bronze Star medals. James received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Miami and went on to earn his master of science degree from Miami's Florida International University. He relocated to Washington, DC where he was employed for several years as director of finance for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He held lifetime memberships in the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He also liked to hunt and trap shoot and belonged to the Tran Shooter Association of America. He also was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Knights of Columbus and was an Oblate of St. Benedict in connection with the St. Vincent Archabbey. Sadly, at the age of 74, James passed away in Washington. His requiem mass was sung in the family church, with burial following in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in McMurray, PA. His obituary was published in the Washington Observer-Reporter.

• Granddaughter Sara Ann Folkens married (?) Godley. They were the parents of James Godley. Their son James wed Leslie and are the parents of twin sons, Timothy Godley and William Godley.

Son William Folkens (1920-1968) was born on Dec. 21, 1920. When he was 20 years old, in 1940, he was employed in a local steel mill. He married twice, first on April 8, 1946 to Edith Amanda Hupp ( ? - ? ). Later, he wed Elizabeth L. "Betty" Pierson ( ? - ? ). William and Betty lived in the South Strabane Township outskirts of Washington, and he earned a living as a truck driver. William was burdened with hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Sadly, at the age of 48, William was stricken by a massive heart attack on Sept. 14, 1968. He was admitted to Washington Hospital and was dead within four hours. He is buried with his parents at Oak Spring Cemetery in Canonsburg. 

Daughter Florence Folkens (1927-1993) was born on Sept. 15, 1927. She married Arthur Paul Kaufman (1920- ? ) on June 18, 1948. They resided in Hilliard, Franklin County, OH. Florence died in Hilliard  on Oct. 12, 1993.

~ Son Robert Williams McKnight Sr. ~

Son Robert Williams McKnight Sr. (1900-1965) was born on Sept. 7, 1900 or 1901 in Uniontown, Fayette County, PA. His middle name was his mother's maiden name.

He was employed at age 18 in 1920 as a "screw boy" in a tin mill in Canonsburg, Washington County, PA. He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighed 170 lbs. and had brown eyes and red hair.

Circa 1923, when he was 22 years of age, he was united in holy matrimony with 17-year-old Idella Genevieve Festerman (Jan. 12, 1905-1953). She was a native of Frostburg, Allegany County, MD and the daughter of John and Annie Festerman.

Together, they produced seven known offspring, all daughters but one -- Katherine "Alberta" Brown Taylor Lingenfelter, Eleanore R. Plummer, Betty L. McMillan, Ellen Genevieve Cage, Florence L. MacMillan Freel, Robert William McKnight Jr. and Edith A. Meyers.

The McKnights were in Frostburg in 1923 at the birth of their eldest daughter. By 1928, they appear to have moved to Belmont County, OH where their second daughter was born.

Federal census records for 1930 show them living in the community of Pease Township, Belmont County. Robert earned a living at that time as a rougher in a hot mill.

The McKnights moved during the 1930s to Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, OH. In the 1940 United States Census, Robert was listed as a tractor driver in a steel mill. In 1942, his employer was Wheeling Steel Corporation in Yorkville, Jefferson County.

Once more, the family relocated and by 1947 was in Midlothian near Idella's hometown of Frostburg. There, Robert obtained employment with the Celanese Fibers Company in Cumberland and held a membership in Textile Local 1874. Their daughter Betty Lou graduated from Beall High School in Frostburg that year.

Idella belonged to the Frostburg Assembly of God Church. In August 1951, Idella's widowed mother passed away in their home in Midlothian.

Sadly, Idella endured a plummet in her health during the later months of 1952. At the age of just 47, as a patient in Miners Hospital, she passed into eternity on Jan. 2, 1953. Interment was in Frostburg Memorial Park. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Hartley Wigfield. Inscribed on her barre granite grave marker is the text from the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done."

Robert outlived his bride by a dozen years and married again to Elizabeth Rank ( ? - ? ). The couple dwelled at 22 Broadway.

At the age of 64, having been in poor health for five years, he was admitted to Miners Hospital in Frostburg. There, he died on Aug. 30, 1965. Leading his funeral was Rev. Kenneth E. Morelock. An obituary in the Cumberland News said he was survived by 15 grandchildren.

Daughter Katherine "Alberta" McKnight (1923-2005) was born on Oct. 20, 1923 in Frostburg, Allegany County, MD. Her home in young womanhood was in Washington, Washington County, PA. At the age of 23, circa 1947, she was united in marriage with 43-year-old Walter M. Brown (June 10, 1904- ? ). He was the son of T.H. and Mollie (Bowser) Brown and also a native of Frostburg. At the time of marriage, he was divorced from his first wife and was employed as a mill worker in Washington. Bt 1953, she had married again to (?) Taylor ( ? - ? ) and resided in Midlothian near Frostburg. Her last known spouse, by 1965, was Frederick Lingenfelter (Oct. 13, 1927-1998). The pair lived in Mahaffey, Clearfield County, PA. Frederick died at the age of 70 on May 16, 1998. Burial was in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Clover Run, Clearfield County. Alberta survived another seven years as a widow. Death spirited her away at the age of 81 on Sept. 5, 2005. She sleeps beside Frederick for all time in Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Daughter Eleanore R. McKnight (1928-2010) was born on Nov. 7, 1928 in Belmont County, OH. She was united in wedlock with Ronald A. "Sandy" Plummer (Sept. 12, 1914-2007). Circa the mid-1960s, the Plummers lived in Midlothian, Allegany County, MD. Eleanor was badly injured in a vehicle accident in 1974 when an oncoming automobile crossed the Midlothian road centerline and crashed into hers'. Her injuries were to the body and head, and in February 1976 she and Ronald sued the other driver for damages. Ronald passed away on Feb. 23, 2007 at the age of 92. Eleanore spent her final years in Rawlings, Allegany County. She joined her spouse in death on Jan. 5, 2010. The couple reposes together in Frostburg Memorial Park.

Daughter Betty Lou McKnight (1929-2019) was born on March 22, 1929 in Washington, Washington County, PA. She grew up in a number of places in Ohio but as a teenager graduated from Beall High School in Frostburg, Allegany County, MD. She then obtained a job in the Cumberland Undergarment Factory. On May 6, 1951, when she was about 21 years of age, she was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Edward Thomas MacMillan Sr. (Oct. 30, 1932-2013) of nearby Lonaconing, the son of Archibald and Delsey (Barnes) MacMillan. The wedding ceremony was led by Rev. Anderson Phillips in the Trinity Assembly of God Church in Midlothian. Reported the Cumberland (MD) Sunday Times, which printed the couple's wedding photograph, "The bride was attired in a navy blue street length dress with white accessories and a corsage of pink rosebuds." Their union endured for an extraordinary 61 years. The couple produced three known sons -- Edward Thomas MacMillan Jr., Archibald William "Archie" MacMillan and Robert MacMillan. At the time of marriage, during the Korean War, Edward was with the U.S. Army at Camp Breckinridge, KY. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant. When his term of service ended, they relocated to Cleveland, OH, where he was employed as a chief operator with American National Can Company. He eventually retired from the company, with the couple moving back to Maryland. Over the years they endured the heartbreak of untimely deaths of a son, three grandchildren and a great-grandson. Betty enjoyed raising flowers and competing in a bowling league. She also liked to host family dinners on Sundays. At the age of 80, Edward was swept away at home by the angel of death on Feb. 21, 2013 in Frostburg. Betty survived him by six years in Avilton, Garrett County, MD. She passed away at the age of 90 on Oct. 29, 2019 as a patient in the Regional Medical Center of the Western Maryland Regional Health System. Burial of the remains was in Frostburg Memorial Park, with Rev. Dan Agnew leading the service.

• Grandson Edward Thomas MacMillan Jr. put down roots in Cleveland, OH.

• Grandson Archibald William "Archie" MacMillan was in Cleveland in 2013. He was deceased by 2019.

• Grandson Robert MacMillan wedded Jean. Their home in 2019 was in Barton, OH.

Daughter Ellen Genevieve McKnight (1931-1999) was born on Jan. 16, 1931 in Martins Ferry, Belmont County, OH. She resided in Midlothian, MD as a young woman. In about October 1953, she married Jack Dale Cage Jr. ( ? -1999) of 632 North Mechanic Street. Offspring born to this union were Dawn Michele Cage, Don Michael Cage, Jessica M. Cage and Donna M. Cage. The family made their residence in 1965 in Cumberland. Ellen died in Baltimore, MD at the age of 68 on Valentine's Day 1999. The Baltimore Sun printed an obituary. Her remains are in eternal repose in Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore. Jack on lived for another five months after his wife's death. He succumbed on July 14, 1999.

• Granddaughter Dawn Michele Cage

• Grandson Don Michael Cage ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). At the age of 16, in May 1980, he was acquitted after a trial in Baltimore County Circuit Court for the crime of helping a friend commit murder and conceal a body near the Bay City Warehouse.

• Granddaughter Jessica Marie Cage

• Granddaughter Donna Marie Cage was the mother of Jessica Marie Hambleton. Sadly, Donna Marie died on Oct. 19, 1986. The remains were interred in Loudon Park Cemetery. Her obituary was published in the Baltimore Sun.

Daughter Florence Lucille McKnight (1933-2007) was born in about 1933 in Ohio. Upon graduation from Beall High School in Frostburg, MD, she was hired by Prichard Corporation. Circa 1955, she was engaged to marry William Plummer. At the time, he was in the U.S. Army in the "Far East," having worked previously for Hagan Ice Cream Company in Cumberland. Whether or not the marriage took place is not known. By 1965, she had wed Vincent MacMillan ( ? - ? ) and migrated to Detroit. The couple were the parents of Al McMillan and Patrick McMillan and perhaps Jackie Terbrack. In time, she is known to have wedded Kenneth "Ken" Freel ( ? - ? ). The pair established a home in Warren, MI, where Florence belonged to the Church of God. Sadly, Florence died in St. John's Oakland Hospital on March 21, 2007. Her funeral service was led by her pastor, Brother Pentecost. An obituary appeared in her hometown newspaper, the Cumberland Times-News.

• Grandson Al McMillan ( ? - ? ) made his home in Warren, MI in 2007.

• Grandson Patrick McMillan ( ? - ? ) married Michelle ( ? - ? ). Circa 2007, they dwelled in Warren, MI.

• Granddaughter Jackie ( ? - ? ) wedded (?) Terbrack ( ? - ? ). Their residence in 2007 was in Warren, MI.

Son Robert Williams McKnight Jr. (1935-2007) was born on Feb. 7, 1935 in Yorkville, Jefferson County, OH and grew up in Midlothian, Allegany Couny, MD. Circa 1956, he obtained a marriage license to marry Joan Elizabeth Seaman ( ? - ? ) of Frostburg. The couple migrated to Baltimore and were there in 1965. Sadly, Joan passed away. Robert wedded a second time to Barbara ( ? - ? ). Nine children were part of the combined family -- Robert McKnight, Richard McKnight, Lenny Bateman, Cheryl Morgan, Mark Bateman, Kim Haupt, Laurie Trippett, Wilda Marlock and Allen McKnight. Robert passed into eternity on Jan. 3, 2007 in Baltimore's Evergreen Nursing Center. An obituary in the Cumberland Times-News said he was survived by 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His remains were cremated.

• Grandson Robert McKnight ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock with Abigail ( ? - ? ). They are in Baltimore.

• Grandson Richard McKnight ( ? - ? ) was joined in the bonds of marriage with Katie ( ? - ? ). They relocated to Arizona.

• Grandson Lenny Bateman ( ? - ? ) has dwelled in Baltimore.

• Granddaughter Cheryl ( ? - ? ) married Duane Morgan ( ? - ? ). Circa 2007, they lived in Baltimore.

• Grandson Mark Bateman ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Tammy ( ? - ? ). They are in Baltimore.

• Granddaughter Kim ( ? - ? ) wedded William Haupt ( ? - ? ). They put down roots in Pennsylvania.

• Granddaughter Laurie ( ? - ? ) was joined in matrimony with William Trippett ( ? - ? ) and settled in Baltimore.

• Granddaughter Wilda ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Larry Marlock ( ? - ? ). They have resided in Pennsylvania.

• Grandson Allen McKnight ( ? - ? ) married Robin ( ? - ? ). They live in Baltimore.

Daughter Edith A. McKnight (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937 in Ohio. She entered into matrimony with Louis Meyers ( ? - ? ). The couple's home was in Baltimore in 1965. Circa 2007-2019, she was in Hazel Park, MI.

~ Daughter Sara Jane (McKnight) Puckett ~

Daughter Sara Jane McKnight (1903-1976) was born on Sept. 17, 1902 in Washington, Washington County, PA.

Evidence suggests that in 1923, at the age of 20, Sara Jane gave birth to a son whom she named Warren Wilkie Stroop.

She wed Emanuel "Harvey" Puckett (June 25, 1893-1972), a native of Decatur, Adams County, OH.

At her marriage, Sara Jane received the gift of an heirloom quilt that was stitched in scripted letters with the initials "J.L.W." and the date of March 5, 1883. These details were sewn into the center of the piece. It is in perfect condition today, with no warn or faded spots, and has been lovingly preserved. The quilt pieces have been fashioned in quarter-inch squares.

The Pucketts produced three offspring of their own -- Betty Louise Nichols, Juanita Stroop and Harvey Puckett.

Harvey was of medium height and build, with brown eyes and brown hair. He was burdened with vericose veins. When required to register for the military draft during the World War I era, the 23-year-old bachelor Harvey had disclosed that he was a farmer living in Ripley, OH.

The family dwelled in Hillsboro, Highland County, OH, and later in Lynchburg, a town straddling Clinton and Highland Counties in Ohio. They belonged to Sonner's Chapel of the United Methodist Church at East Danville.

Harvey continued farming over the decades until retirement.

Sadly, Harvey died at the age of 78 in their home in East Danville, Highland County on June 24, 1972. In an obituary, the Hillsboro Press-Citizen said he was survived by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Burial was in Hamersville Cemetery, with the funeral presided over by Rev. William Sherertz.

Sara only lived for another four years. As a patient in Clinton Memorial Hospital, she died in Wilmington, OH on Oct. 17, 1976, at the age of 74. Following a funeral service led by Rev. Jackie Leigh, her remains were lowered into the soil of Hamer Township Cemetery in Danville, Highland County, OH. An obituary noted that she was survived by nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Stepson Warren Wilkie/Wilkin Stroop (1923-1975) was born in 1923 in Pennsylvania. He grew up in Highland County, OH and learned the trade of painting. At the age of 17, in 1940, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and took part in the Normandy invasion. His unit moved through France, Belgium and Germany. Warren was wounded by shrapnel twice during the Battle in Aachen, Germany. He convalesced in England and returned home. He spent his career in the military. Warren was the father of one known son, William W. Stroop. Numerous articles in the Hillsboro Press-Gazette suggest that he had many run-ins with the law for passing bad checks, reckless driving and inappropriate advances to teenage women. His home in 1952 was in Cincinnati, possibly serving time in a workhouse. He resided with his mother and stepfather in East Danville in 1972. In January 1975, he lost his driver's license after a drunk driving conviction. Less than two months later, grief blanketed the family when, on March 4, 1975, his lifeless body was found in his residence. Officials estimated that he had been dead for 24 to 48 hours, "the apparent victim of a coronary," said the Hillsboro Press-Citizen. The remains were interred in Hamer Township Cemetery.

Daughter Betty Louise Puckett (1930-2020) was born on Nov. 24, 1930 in Brown County, OH. Circa 1948, at the age of 17, she wedded Eugene F. "Slim" Nichols ( ? -2018), a resident of Hillsboro. Together, they produced a family of three -- Donald Nichols, Gloria "Jeannie" Pierce and Vickie Fetters. The couple lived in Lynchburg, OH in the 1970s and attended Sonner Chapel in East Danville. At the death of her mother in 1976, Betty served as executrix for the estate. For many years, Betty drove a school bus for Lynchburg (OH) School District. She belonged to the auxiliaries of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and AmVets. In her free time she liked to make quilts and other crafts. Sadly, Eugene passed into eternity two days after Christmas in 2018. Betty lived for another year-and-a-half. At the age of 89, she died at home in Lynchburg on July 13, 2020. An obituary in the Times-Gazette said she was survived by nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great grandchildren. Lloyd Shoemaker led the funeral service, with burial in Hamer Township Cemetery.

• Grandson Donald Nichols married Judy and has resided in Lynchburg.

• Granddaughter Gloria "Jeannie" Nichols wedded (?) Pierce. Her home has been in Lynchburg and Allensburg, OH. Circa 2001-2007, she generously provided important content for this biography.

• Granddaughter Vickie Nichols Fetters

Daughter Mary "Juanita" Puckett (1933- ? ) was born in about 1933. When she was about 16 years of age, on Oct. 29, 1949, she was united in matrimony with Glenn Otis Stroop ( ? - ? ), son of Clarence and Alice (White) Stroop of East Danville, OH. Their wedding was held in Mowrystown, OH. The couple bore three children, among them Diane Sue Pridemore and Bobby Jo Stroop. The Stroops divorced in October 1961, with Glenn relocating to San Bernardino, CA. They remarried on Oct. 28, 1970, but the marriage continued to be troubled. Juanita and Glenn sued each other for divorce, which was granted in mid-August 1973 and reported in the Hillsboro Press-Citizen. Her home at the time was on Bayless Avenue in Lynchburg. In time she married again to (?) Fiscus ( ? - ? ). When the second marriage ended, she kept company with Vincent Strain.

• Granddaughter Diana Sue Stroop ( ? - ? ) was born in about 1954. In December 1969, when she was only about 15 years of age, she wedded James Allen Pridemore ( ? - ? ). Their nuptials were held in New Market, OH. The marriage fell apart, and the underage Diana -- with help from her mother who had legal standing to do so -- filed for divorce in April 1971, citing "gross neglect." Included in the request was that Diana's surname be restored to "Stroop."

• Granddaughter Bobby Jo Stroop ( ? - ? )

Son Harvey "Buck" Puckett (1935-2015) was born on Feb. 10, 1935 in Hillsboro, Highland County, OH. On Oct. 27, 1956, in nuptials held in Jeffersonville, IN, he was joined in marriage with Valeda Glick ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for a remarkable 58 years until cleaved apart by death. The couple bore three children -- Debbie Kay Puckett, Philip Mark Puckett and Jack Raymond Puckett. Harvey was employed for 19 years by Irwin Auger Bit Company. He then joined General Electric and spent 22 years with the company until retirement. The family made their home in Williamsburg, Clermont County, OH and belonged to Taylors Chapel of the United Methodist Church. When time allowed he liked to fish, hunt deer, bowl, camp, golf and watch NASCAR races. Sadly, at the age of 80, he passed away on March 23, 2015 in Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley in the Adams County Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held at the family chapel, co-officiated by Pastor Dan Pelzel and Pastor Lloyd Shoemaker.

• Grandddaughter Debbie Kay Puckett

• Grandson Philip Mark Puckett married Terry and lives in Keystone Heights, FL.

• Grandson Jack Raymond Puckett dwells in Williamsburg, OH.

~ Son Arthur Austin McKnight ~

Son Arthur Austin McKnight (1904-1962) was born on Christmas Day 1904 in Uniontown, Fayette County.

Arthur grew up in Washington, Washington County, PA and obtained work in his late teens in a glass factory, likely the Hazel Atlas Glass plant. He stood 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighed 163 lbs. and had brown hair and brown eyes.

On Jan. 26, 1924, in nuptials held in Washington County, PA, the 19-year-old Arthur was united in wedlock with 17-year-old Nelle Young ( ? - ? ). She was the daughter of John D. and Rose (Kane) Young of 32 Franklin Street.

Their marriage ended within a few years, and he then coupled with Dorothy Katherine Hancock (Jan. 1, 1907-1971), a native of Kittanning, Armstrong County, PA.

The McKnights were together in 1929 at the time when they bore their only daughter, Shirley Jean Mellor.

Sometime in the 1920s, the family relocated to Ohio and in 1930 resided with an uncle, 47-year-old widower Nathan E. Kuell in Toledo, Lucas County. Arthur obtained work as an odd-jobs laborer on the docks of Lake Erie.

As the Great Depression kept its grip on the nation, Arthur and Dorothy appear to have moved by 1936 to Warren, Trumbull County, OH.

The couple were officially married on Sept. 28, 1936 when Arthur was 31 and Dorothy 29. To do so, they traveled to Wellsburg, Ohio County, WV, with Rev. Joel L. Wade officiating.

Federal census enumeration records for 1940 show the family back in Toledo, with Arthur working as a feeder in a steel works and Dorothy as an inspector for an electric company.

Arthur was required to register for the military draft in 1940 during the period leading up to World War II. At the time, he was employed by Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass in Toledo and was elected chairman of the Flat Glass Workers Union in the plant. Their address was 438½ Fassett Street.

Arthur passed away in St. Charles Hospital in Oregon, Lucas County on Nov. 11, 1962, at the age of 57. His remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Restlawn Memorial Park in Perrysburg, Wood County, OH.

Dorothy outlived her husband by a little more than eight years. She passed away in Toledo on Jan. 28, 1971.

Daugher Shirley Jean McKnight (1929- ? ) was born on May 19, 1929 in either Toledo or Warren, Ohio. When she was 19 years of age, on Sept. 25, 1948, she was joined in marriage with 18-year-old Jack Arthur Mellor (March 18, 1930-2000) of Toledo and the son of George A. and Zelma M. (Ferrior) Mellor. At the time, she worked as a receptionist in Toledo, and he as a glass worker. Because both were legally underage, their respective parents had to sign their consents. Their marriage survived for 49 years. The couple were the parents of Gregory Mellor and Cynthia Tarka. She succumbed to death in Toledo at the age of 68 on Oct. 30, 1997. Jack only lived another two-and-a-half years and died in Toledo Hospital on March 9, 2000. An obituary in the Toledo Blade said that his interment was in Memorial Park.

• Grandson Gregory Mellor ( ? - ? )

• Granddaughter Cynthia Mellor ( ? - ? ) married Timothy Tarka ( ? - ? ).

~ Daughter Anna Hester (McKnight) Johnson Bedillion ~

Daughter Anna Hester McKnight (1907-1996) was born on July 25, 1907 in Washington, Washington County, PA.

She was married twice. In about 1926, when she was age 19, she wedded her first spouse, 20-year-old James L. Johnson (1906- ? ), son of Harvey and Elizabeth B. Johnson of Washington.

They resided in Washington circa 1926-1930 and were the parents of two sons -- James Arthur Johnson and Patrick K. Johnson.

Federal census enumeration records for 1930 show the couple living under the roof of James' parents in Washington. At that time, James earned a living as a lather in the building industry, and Anna as a waitress in a local restaurant.

Anna married her second spouse, Francis Wilson "Frank" Bedillion (April 25, 1910-1966). He was the son of Robert and Effie (Siebert) Bedillion and had been born in Amwell Township, Washington County.

During the 1960s, the Bedillions made their home at 256 South Main Street in Washington. Frank was the owner of a cafe.

Sadly, Frank was burdened with a rheumatic heart condition and a narrowing of his heart's mitral valve. When he was stricken by a sudden buildup of fluid in his lungs, known as an "acute pulmonary edema," he died within minutes in Washington Hospital at the age of 56 on Aug. 11, 1966. Interment of his remains was in Washington Cemetery.

Anna lived for another three decades. She succumbed to the angel of death on Feb. 8, 1996.

Son James Arthur Johnson (1926-1997) was born on April 13, 1926 in Washington. He apparently did not marry. Said the Washington Observer-Reporter, he "was Catholic and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 927 of Washington." He resided on South Street in Washington. James passed away at the age of 71 on Oct. 27, 1997.

Son Patrick K. Johnson ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He dwelled in North Carolina in 1997.

~ Daughter Lillian (McKnight) Stauffer ~

Daughter Lillian McKnight (1910-1998) was born on Jan. 5, 1910 in Houston, Washington County. 

On Nov. 12, 1937, at the age of 27, she wed 30-year-old Glenn Alden Stauffer (May 21, 1907-1959), son of Harry and Maude (Reeves) Stauffer.

Together, they were the parents of five children -- James Bernard Stauffer, Helen Furbee, Glenda Duffer, Joseph William Stauffer and Betty McMillan. 

The Stauffers lived on Jennings Lane in Washington in the 1950s. Glenn was employed as a machinist.

At the age of 52, having suffered from hardening of the arteries, Glenn was felled by a massive heart attack and admitted to Washington Hospital. Forty-five minutes after arrival, he passed away on July 10, 1959. Burial of the remains was in Washington Cemetery.

She survived Glenn by almost four decades. She made her residence on North Franklin Street in Washington, and was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. Other cousins living on North Franklin Street of that era were Jack and Jessie (Miner) Schultz.

In her final years, she went to live in the Kade Nursing Home in Washington. She died on Sept. 17, 1998. At the time of her passing, reported the Washington Observer Reporter, she was survived by 17 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

Son James Bernard Stauffer ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 1998.

Daughter Helen Stauffer (1932-1995) was born on March 7, 1932. She was joined in matrimony with George O. Furbee (Sept. 20, 1924-2007). The couple made their home in Washington. They were the parents of Timothy G. Furbee, Glenn A. Furbee, Eric T. Furbee and Denise L. Furbee. George made a living through his work in the housekeeping department of Washington Hospital. Sadly, Helen died on July 24, 1995. Her remains were lowered into the welcoming earth of Washington Cemetery. George survived her by almost a dozen years. He succumbed to the angel of death on Feb. 6, 2007 as a patient in Washington County Health Center.

• Grandson Timothy G. Furbee (1959-2020) was born on March 15, 1959 in Washington. He did not reproduce but enjoyed his family and his dogs. He died in Washington Hospital at the age of 61 on March 30, 2020.

• Grandson Glenn A. Furbee

• Grandson Eric T. Furbee

• Granddaughter Denise L. Furbee

Daughter Glenda Stauffer ( ? -1996) was born in (?). On June 9, 1982, she wedded James E. Duffer Sr. (June 9, 1927-2003), a native of Sayre, OK and the son of James Romaine and Gracie Emmer (Ragle) Duffer. He is believed to have brought three offspring to the second union, James E. Duffer Jr., Darryl Duffer, Margie Duffer and Mary Gibson. James was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Prior to his move to southwestern Pennsylvania, James owned and operated a gasoline filling station in Eloy, AZ. In his free time he liked to fish, read and watch Westerns films. Grief blanketed the family when Glenda passed into eternity on Oct. 29, 1996. James married a second time to Mary Hughes Maisa ( ? - ? ). He was swept away by the spectre of death at the age of 76 on Dec. 6, 2003 as a patient in Donnell House in Washington.

Son Joseph William Stauffer ( ? - ? ) lived in Fennville, MI in 1998.

Daughter Betty Stauffer ( ? - ? ) was united in marriage with (?) McMillan ( ? - ? ). The couple dwelled in Maryland.

~ Daughter Dorothy Elizabeth (McKnight) Walker Wade ~

Daughter Dorothy Elizabeth McKnight (1912-2001) was born on June 11, 1912 in Uniontown, Fayette County, PA.

She was married twice.

On June 4, 1927, when she was a week shy of her 15th birthday, she was joined in wedlock with 18-year-old Eugene Walker (Jan. 19, 1909-1960), the son of George LeMoyne and Ruth Ethel (Young) Walker. Because both bride and groom legally were too young to marry, her mother and his father signed their consents. In the marriage license, the mother wrote: "Father deserted 2 years ago whereabouts unknown I help daughter to support herself."

The Walker family lived in Washington and had six children -- George Allen Walker, Bernard Richard Walker, Charles Edward Walker, Emma Jean Dunn Mirola, Ellen Frances Anderson and Nancy Walker Nelson. 

Sadness blanketed the family when their eldest child George died at birth on April 6, 1930.

Dorothy spent 30 years working as a selector-packer at Brockway Glass Plant No. 11, from where she retired. She was a member of the Broad Street Baptist Church and the Ladies Auxiliary of Moose Lodge 22.

Eugene was employed as a steelworker for 17 years at Jessop Steel Company until his death. He was a member of the Jessop Employees Club. (Other cousins known to have labored at "The Jessop" over the years include Edward John Miner, Howard "The Preacher" McKinney, Walter Kenneth "Dick" Bedillion and Richard E. Beatty.)

Their address in the 1950s was 1205½ Sycamore Street in Washington. Evidence suggests that the couple divorced.

On July 22, 1957, Dorothy was joined in wedlock with Ruben/Rheuben W. Wade ( ? - ? ). He brought children to the union from an earlier marriage -- Patricia Wright, Laura Murphy and Ruby Dee Bell.

Dorothy's address in 1964 was 1592 Cohassett Avenue in Lakewood, OH.

As her health failed, Dorothy was admitted to the Presbyterian Medical Center in Washington. There, she died at the age of 88 on April 2, 2001, "following a lengthy illness," said the Washington Observer-Reporter. She was survived by 15 grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 14 step-great-grandchildren and three treat-great grandchildren.

Ex-husband Eugene was burdened with cirrhosis of the liver and malnutrition at the age of 50. After contracting pneumonia, he passed away on Jan. 14, 1960 in Washington Hospital. He was laid to eternal rest in Mt. Pleasant/Prospect Cemetery, Hickory, Washington County.

Son Charles Edward Walker (1943-2015) was born on Oct. 17, 1943 in Washington, Washington County. Charles as a young man was employed in a factory. On May 15, 1964, at the age of 20, he eloped to be married to 16-year-old student Joynettee Mae "Jo" Wise ( ? - ? ), daughter of Allen C. and Clara (Herring) Wise of Waynesburg, Greene County. The couple tied the knot in the United Methodist Church in Winchester, VA, officiated by Rev. James Clark. They established their residence in Washington and together produced a family of three children -- Marlene Smith, Karen Willard and Charles Walker. Charles worked for Pennsylvania Transformer for a quarter of a century. They were members of First Christian Church in Washington and enjoyed camping. Their address in the early 2000s was 1332 East Beau Street. When the couple celebrated their 30-year anniversary in 2004, they were pictured and an article printed in the Washington Observer-Reporter. Sadly, the family endured the heartache of the untimely death of their son Charles in January 2013. With his health in decline, Charles Sr. was admitted to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He succumbed there at the age of 71 on Jan. 7, 2015. In an obituary in the Observer-Reporter, the family requested that any memorial donations be made to the American Lung Association chapter in Pittsburgh.

• Granddaughter Marlene Walker ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She resided in 2004 in Columbus, OH. She married Scott Smith ( ? - ? ) and relocated to Sewickley, near Pittsburgh.

• Granddaughter Karen Walker ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was joined in marriage with (?) Booth ( ? - ? ) and by 2015 to Jesse Willard ( ? - ? ). The Willards have dwelled in Claysville.

• Grandson Charles E. Walker ( ? -2013) resided in Washington in 2004. He died in January 2013.

Son Bernard Richard Walker ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was in Detroit in 1960. He married Barbara ( ? - ? ). In 2001-2015, they made their home in Amesville, Athens County, OH. 

Daughter Emma "Jean" Walker ( ? - ? ) was twice-wed. Her first spouse was Harry Dunn ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Cleveland and produced one known daughter, Dorothy Ann Dunn. Later, after a divorce, she wedded Richard John "Rich" Mirola ( ? - ? ) and lived in Cleveland. Offspring from the second union are believed to be Tammy Dee Rimstidt and Ronald Richard Mirola. Jean met the founder of this website at a McKnight Reunion in the early 2000s.

• Granddaughter Dorothy Ann Dunn (1956-2015) was born in about 1956. She was the mother of a son, Damon Robert Dunn. Little is known of Dorothy's life. At the age of 60, on Jan. 19, 2015, she passed away. Her memorial services were held at Grace Lutheran Church in Lakewood, OH. Her obituary appeared in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

• Granddaughter Tammy Dee Rimstidt

• Grandson Ronald Richard Mirola

Daughter Ellen "Frances" Walker ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Jack Anderson ( ? - ? ). The couple made their home in Detroit in 1960. Later, they returned to Washington.

Daughter Nancy Ann Walker ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with (?) Nelson ( ? - ? ) and lived in Washington.

~ Son Joseph McKnight ~

Son Joseph McKnight (1914-1969) was born on April 2, 1914 in Washington County, PA.

By 1935, he had relocated to rural Jefferson County, OH, where he obtained employment as a mill worker. He initially dwelled in Mount Pleasant.

On Sept. 11, 1937, when he was 23 years of age, he was united in the bonds of marriage with Inez Jane Bailey (1915-2006), a native of Ohio and the daughter of Ruby and Mary Bell (Smith) Bailey. Their nuptials were held in Carrolton, Carroll County, OH and led by Rev. Boyd J. Yorke. At the time of marriage, Inez earned a living as a clerk.

The couple did not reproduce.

Federal census enumeration records for 1940 show the McKnights living in Inez's hometown of Adena, a small town straddling the border of Hamilton and Jefferson Counties, OH. He was employed as a steelworker in a local mill.

Inez was a sales clerk for Woolworth Department Store in Canton, Stark County. She held a membershiop in the Moreland Christian Church and the Rebekah Lodge of Lake Pansoffkee, FL.

Circa 1965, Joseph is known to have resided in Adena.

Sadly, he died in Brown County, OH on Nov. 27, 1969. The site of his burial is not known.

The widowed Inez is known to have shared a home in 1976 with her sister Isabel C. Bailey on 3071 Steubenville Road Southeast in Carrolton.

At the age of 90, Inez passed away in Canton, OH on July 5, 2006. Her remains were cremated and placed into eternal sleep in Holly Memorial Cemetery in Pleasant Grove, OH. An obituary was printed in the Youngstown Repository.