Knight reunion

The descendants of Virgil E. Knight reunited in Gallatin for the first time ever over the Memorial Day weekend. Mae Belle (Knight) Hill, 94, the only surviving child of Virgil (1872-1959) and Julia Knight, served as the grand belle of the festivities. She was also the oldest returning alumni to the 76th Gallatin High School Reunion held this year.

Virgil and Julia Knight were early Daviess County residents of Splawn’s Ridge located east of Gallatin. They raised five children in the original homestead that still stands close to the Centenary Cemetery. These were Jesse Knight, John Knight, Mae Bell (Knight)Hill, Mary Frances (Knight) Burns, and Dr. V. Ellis Knight.

Each of the Knight siblings had two children. Jesse and Grace Knight had two girls, Mary and Carol. Mary is the only deceased cousin but her daughter, Linda Watts, represented her. Jesse’s other daughter, Carol Reck, traveled from California. John and Brooke Knight’s son, Wayne, and daughter, Winnie Gatenby, joined Mae Belle and Charles Hill’s daughter, Susie Martin, to round out the Missouri contingent. Susie’s brother, Jack Hill, was the only cousin who wasn’t in attendance due to his own 50th wedding anniversary celebration.

Mary Frances and Russell Burns’ son, Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana, and daughter, Judy Norris, both made the trip as did Ellis and Mary Knight’s two children, Tanis Knight Sagor and Dr. (Ellis) Mac Knight. Six spouses, 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren also attended.

Family ancestors were among the original settlers to locate here in the 1830’s. Local history books note that Robert Peniston was an entrepreneur who built the first horse mill, “a triumphant piece of mechanical ingenuity and splendid success.” However, as a slave owner, he relied on the construction and engineering skills of his slave, “Uncle Jake,” to build his impressive mill. It is also believed that the first sermon in the area was preached under an oak tree on Peniston’s property.

Shown left to right are Virgil E. Knight, Jesse Knight, Mary Francis (Knight) Burns, John Knight, Dr. V. Ellis Knight, Mae Bell (Knight) Hill.