Bio-McKnight, Josiah

Home

Josiah McKnight
(1860- ? )

Josiah McKnight was born in in 1860 in Fayette County, PA, the son of William and Mahala (Minerd) McKnight. He also went by the name "Joseph."

In 1881, when he was age 21, Josiah married Jennie Doran ( ? - ? ). She also may have had the last names of Spaulding and/or Johnson.

Seen at right, Jennie and her great-grandson James Howard Moore pose together circa 1943-1944 in Washington, Washington County.

The McKnights had at least three children -- Harry "Henry" McKnight, Ollie McKnight and Alford McKnight. At least one of the children was born in Fayette County.

Circa 1899, the McKnights lived in nearby South Strabane Township, Washington County, PA.

In 1910, Josiah and Jennie were residing at Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, where he worked as a roadman in a coal mine.

Josiah's fate after that is unknown. Jennie lived until at least 1943 or '44.

Pike Street in Canonsburg, early 1900s

~ Son Harry McKnight ~

Son Harry McKnight (1879-1960) married Ellen Sophia Ireland on Sept. 5, 1899 in Canonsburg, Washington County. He was a resident of McGovern, PA at the time of the marriage.

They lived in Washington, and went on to have eight children -- James McKnight, William McKnight, Harry L. "Bud" McKnight (1922-2003), John McKnight, Ethel Doty (1906-2000), Gladys Boswell, Virginia Henderson and Edna Moore (1914-2004). Sadly, son John died as an infant.

They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1949 with their children.

Harry passed away on Oct. 16, 1960, at the age of 81.

Harry and Ellen's 50th wedding anniversary in 1949. L-R: Harry, Edna, William, Virginia, James, Gladys and Ethel.